p16 gene alterations in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

We previously documented the presence of mutations/deletions in the tumor suppressor gene p16 in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). However, the association of these p16 alterations with clinical outcome is unknown. In this study, RNA was isolated from 19 frozen SCCHN from 19 patients who were previously enrolled in the OSU intensification regimen 2.