Gamma tubulin: A promising indicator of recurrence in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

Centrosome amplification as detected by gamma tubulin (GT) immunostaining is associated with genetic instability and tumor aggressiveness. We assessed GT for its ability to predict recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCCL). Case series with chart review. Five micron sections of 35 archival SCCL samples were subjected to antigen retrieval and immunostaining with antibody to GT. The keratin antibody CK5 served as a positive control for antigen retrieval, and tonsillar tissue was used as a negative control. Of the 35 tumors analyzed, 22 were associated with recurrence(R) and 13 were not (NR). Fourteen of the 22 R tumors, but 0 of 13 of the NR tumours had a GT staining score of 2+ or 3+ ( P < 0.0002). GT was also related to recurrence in node-negative tumors ( P < 0.006) but was unrelated to T stage ( P = 0.726). GT staining appears to be a better predictor of tumor recurrence than T stage and also predicts recurrence in N0 tumors.