Expression of C-Myc mRNA in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical significance of C‐myc mRNA in patients with tongue cancer. Methods C‐myc mRNA expression was studied by RT‐PCR in peripheral blood of 25 tongue cancer patients and 24 controls. C‐myc protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. Results In tongue cancer patients, pretherapeutic C‐myc mRNA expression was significantly higher as compared to controls. In tumor tissues, a trend of low expression of C‐myc mRNA was noted as compared to pretherapeutic blood. The mean pretherapeutic C‐myc mRNA level was lower in tobacco‐users, in older patients, in keratinizing tumors, in tumors showed lymphocytic infiltration as well as in non‐responders as compared to their respective counterparts. C‐myc mRNA expression was lower in tumors showed lymphatic permeation and in patients with a habit of tobacco use. Further, low C‐myc mRNA expression associated with poor prognosis. C‐myc protein expression was noted in 72% of the tumors and an inverse correlation was noted between C‐myc protein expression and disease stage. In early stage disease, an inverse correlation was noted while in advanced stage disease, a positive correlation was noted. Conclusion In tongue cancer, downregulation of C‐myc mRNA associated with advancement of the disease and worse prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:70–78. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.