Aberrant promoter hypermethylation of multiple genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Promoter hypermethylation of hMLH1, MGMT, and p16 genes was commonly detected in 47 SCCHN cases with up to 65% showing aberrant promoter hypermethylation in at least 1 gene. Promoter hypermethylation of 2 or 3 genes was significantly associated with increased 2-year disease-free survival, suggesting that promoter hypermethylation of multiple genes might improve survival. Significant correlation was also noted between a positive alcohol use history and promoter hypermethylation of the MGMT gene with no promoter hypermethylation of the p16 gene.