High CIP2A immunoreactivity is an independent prognostic indicator in early-stage tongue cancer

Abstract

Background:No reliable prognostic markers exist for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, and its prognosis can even in early stages be unpredictable and survival poor despite treatment. A potential marker is oncoprotein cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A), which acts as a prognostic marker in gastric and non-small cell lung cancers.Methods:We collected specimens of 73 stage T1N0M0 and T2N0M0 oral squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue, as well as samples from normal oral mucosa, dysplastic lesions, and invasive carcinomas (n39). All samples were stained for CIP2A by immunohistochemistry. Survival curves were constructed according to the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazard model served for univariate and multivariate survival analysis.Results:High CIP2A immunoreactivity predicted poor survival in tongue cancer patients (P0.027, logrank test). In multivariate survival analysis, CIP2A was an independent prognostic factor (HR 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.07-3.82, P0.030). Cytoplasmic CIP2A expression was higher in severe dysplasia than in mild dysplasia.Conclusion:Our results suggest that high CIP2A expression characterises aggressive disease. Acting as a prognostic marker it might be of help when choosing patients for adjuvant treatment in tongue cancer patients. © 2011 Cancer Research UK All rights reserved.