Dissertation committee:
Γιωτάκης Ιωάννηs (Καθηγητής Ωτορινολαρυγγολογίας), Μανωλόπουλος Λεωνίδας (Καθηγητής Ωτορινολαρυγγολογίας), Φερεκύδης Ελευθέριος (Καθηγητής Ωτορινολαρυγγολογίας)
Summary:
Salivary gland cancer is rare, with incidence of one new case per 100,000
people per year, representing 3-6% of head and neck cancer. Additionally,
occurs great histopathological heterogeneity, with 23 different histological
types according to current classification. These two characteristics make
collection and analysis of data required for guidelines development and
prognosis determination more complex compared to other cancer types.
In T1 and T2 tumors, with clinically N0 neck, even if there is evidence of free
margins, guidelines require existence of prognostic factors in order radiation
need to be determined. Another case of not strict guidelines are low grade T1
and T2 tumors. These examples highlight the need of salivary glands cancer
prognostic factors seek and identification, apart from the already known
(stage, nodal involvement, degree of differentiation).
Aim of the present study was to investigate the role of four factors:
onco-protein p53, proliferation marker Κi-67, intermediate filament e-cadherin
and GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein). Regarding to these factors, there
was previous literature connecting them to other cancer types, but lack of
sufficient or even total absence of studies about their role in salivary gland
cancer.
Thirty three patients with salivary gland cancer were included in the study, 15
males and 18 females. The four factors were detected and epidemiological and
clinical data were recorded as well (stage, histological type, nodal
involvement, therapy). The follow up time ranged between one and ten years,
with a mean of 3.32 years.
In 27.3 of these patients suffered from recurrence and 18.2% died because of
the disease. Ki-67 was found 36,3%, p53 in 33%, e-cadherin in 72% and GFAP in
50% of the patients.
Statistical analysis of the results both with correlation and survival method
revealed a statistically significant relationship between Ki-67 and p53
expression with recurrence rate and disease-related survival. For the other two
factors, no such relationship was found. E-cadherin, in contrary, correlated
with increased survival possibilities.
Keywords:
malignant tumor, salivary glands, ki-67, p53, GFAP, E-Cadherin, prognosis
