Expression of PCNA, p53, Bax, and Bcl-X in oral poorly differentiated and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma:: Relationships with prognosis

Background. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p53, Bcl-X, and Bax expression in primary oral basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC) matched by stage and site and to assess the possible prognostic significance of these variables. Methods. Seventeen cases of oral BSCC were compared with 27 PDSCCs matched by stage and tumor site. In addition, PCNA, p53, Bax, and Bcl-X expression in both carcinomas were evaluated in relation to their clinicopathologic features and prognostic values using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models. Results. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups (BSCC and PDSCC) in regard to clinical features and immunohistochemical reactivity for antibodies PCNA, p53, and Bcl-X. In comparison with PDSCC, the BSCC group exhibited a higher Bax score(p = .031). The 5-year and 10-year overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival rates demonstrated no significant differences between the BSCC and PDSCC groups, and the PCNA, p53, Bax, and Bcl-X also showed no prognostic value. Conclusions. These results suggest that the clinical and biologic course of BSCC is similar to PDSCC in the oral cavity when clinical stage and site are matched. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.