Abstract
Background: This study aimed at the evaluation of the expression of metallothionein (MT) in laryngeal carcinoma and its correlation with the expression of Ki-67 antigen and p53 protein and selected clinical and pathological variables in view of their potential prognostic significance. Materials and Methods: Sixty-five laryngeal cancer patients were retrospectively analysed. Expression of MT, Ki-67 and p53 in tumour tissue samples were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: In laryngeal cancer a significantly augmented expression of MT, Ki-67 and p53 was noted, as compared to the control group (p<0.001) and a significantly increased expression of MT in low malignancy tumours (G1) as compared to the control group (p<0.001). The expression of Ki-67 antigen was positively correlated with the expression of p53 protein (r=0.477; p<0.05) and expression of either marker was positively correlated with malignancy grade (r=0.47, p<0.05; r=0.31, p<0.05; for Ki-67 and p53, respectively). Shortened survival was noted in patients with high expression of Ki-67 antigen and p53 protein. Conclusion: The intensity of MT expression was not related to prognosis in laryngeal cancer. Nevertheless, it may provide a significant index indicating the malignant transformation of benign lesions of laryngeal epithelium.
- Received July 20, 2006.
- Revision received November 23, 2006.
- Accepted November 27, 2006.
- Copyright© 2007 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved