Prognostic significance of metallothionein, p53 protein and Ki-67 antigen expression in laryngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND This study aimed at the evaluation of the expression of metallothionein (MT) in laryngeal carcinoma and its correlation with the expression of Ki-67 antigen and p53 protein and selected clinical and pathological variables in view of their potential prognostic significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-five laryngeal cancer patients were retrospectively analysed. Expression of MT, Ki-67 and p53 in tumour tissue samples were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In laryngeal cancer a significantly augmented expression of MT, Ki-67 and p53 was noted, as compared to the control group (p < 0.001) and a significantly increased expression of MT in low malignancy tumours (G1) as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The expression of Ki-67 antigen was positively correlated with the expression of p53 protein (r = 0.477; p < 0.05) and expression of either marker was positively correlated with malignancy grade (r = 0.47, p < 0.05; r = 0.31, p < 0.05; for Ki-67 and p53, respectively). Shortened survival was noted in patients with high expression of Ki-67 antigen and p53 protein. CONCLUSION The intensity of MT expression was not related to prognosis in laryngeal cancer. Nevertheless, it may provide a significant index indicating the malignant transformation of benign lesions of laryngeal epithelium.