Molecular assessment of p53 abnormalities at the invasive front of oral squamous cell carcinomas

Background The prognostic significance of the invasive tumor front in squamous cell carcinomas has recently been recognized. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible molecular mechanisms underlying the significance of this area in oral squamous cell carcinomas. Methods We used immunohistochemical and molecular genetic techniques to investigate whether p53 alterations at the invasive tumor front could determine the aggressiveness of oral cancers. Results p53 Overexpression was detected in 52% to 56% (four different p53 antibodies) of 100 carcinomas studied. The concordance rate between results of immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis was 60%. No correlation was found between p53 status of the tumors and clinicopathologic parameters analyzed statistically. Conclusions p53 Alterations have no prognostic impact in oral squamous cell carcinomas and apparently do not represent a molecular basis for the biologic significance of the invasive tumor front. The detection of discordant p53 aberrations between primary and second primary carcinomas in some patients provide evidence for their independent origin, with possible impact on prevention and therapy. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 20: 8–15, 1998.