Rôles de K-RAS et de ERCC1 dans le traitement
des carcinomes épidermoïdes avancés de la tête et du cou traités par chimioradiothérapie concomitante
Background: RAS gene mutations have been shown to occur in certain malignancies and have an impact treatment response and overall prognosis. Excision repair cross- complementation group 1 (ERCC1) is a gene implicated in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair, whose polymorphism at codon 118 has been linked to treatment response. Studies of these two genes in head and neck oncology literature have shown inconsistent results. Objectives: Determine the influence of K-RAS mutations (codons 12 and 13) and the polymorphism of ERCC1 codon 118 in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer treated with concomitant platinum-based chemoradiation therapy. Methods: DNA extraction from paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens of patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with concomitant chemoradiation and followed prospectively for at least two years. Identification of K- RAS mutations (codons 12 and 13) and ERCC1 codon 118 polymorphism in the extracted DNA. Correlation of these markers with treatment response. Results: K-RAS codon 12 mutations were associated with a worse locoregional control than tumors without any mutations (32% vs 83% p=0.03); however, mutational status did not influence overall survival. No K-RAS codon 13 mutation was identified in our specimens. The different ERCC1 polymorphisms did not have an impact on treatment response. Conclusion: K-RAS mutational status (codon 12 and 13) and ERCC1 codon 118 polymorphism does not seem to discriminate between patients for whom another treatment option should be sought in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
ERCC1 Squamous cell carcinoma Head and neck cancer Biomarkers K-RAS Chemotherapy Radiotherapy Polymorphism Platinum-based agents