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

ObjectiveTo investigate the prognostic value of HER2 and p63 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Study DesignA case review of 186 HNSCCs from the oral tongue, palate, maxillary sinus, floor of mouth, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx.Subjects and MethodsAll 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.ResultsOne 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.ConclusionHER2 may be associated with longer survival in node-positive patients with HNSCC.