PDCD1 (PD-1) promoter methylation predicts outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Background: Biomarkers that facilitate the prediction of disease recurrence in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may enable physicians to personalize treatment. In the current study, DNA promoter methylation of programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1, PD-1) was evaluated as a prognostic biomarker in HNSCC patients.

Results: High PDCD1 methylation (mPDCD1) was associated with a significantly shorter overall survival after surgical resection in both the discovery (HR = 2.