HER2 expression predicts improved survival in patients with cervical node-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of HER2 and p63 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design: A case review of 186 HNSCCs from the oral tongue, palate, maxillary sinus, floor of mouth, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx.

Subjects And Methods: All primary tumor specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for HER2 and p63 expressions, which were correlated with clinical parameters including age, sex, grade, lymph node metastases, stage, and survival.

Results: One hundred forty-one patients had stage III-IV disease and 109 had lymph node metastases. For all cases, T and N stages were significant prognostic predictors for both overall and disease-free survivals. In the node-positive subgroup, T stage and HER2 expression were significant prognostic predictors for both overall and disease-free survivals.

Conclusion: HER2 may be associated with longer survival in node-positive patients with HNSCC.