Prognostic Role of p53 and eIF4E in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Study Protocol

Head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a term given to epithelial malignancies that arise in the oral cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx (Argiris et al., 2008; Rudolph et al., 2011). Almost 90% of HNSCC originating from the mucosal lining of these regions (Dobrossy, 2005). HNSCC is strongly associated with certain environmental and lifestyle risk factors including tobacco smoking and high alcohol consumption (Dobrossy, 2005). The successful treatment of these patients depends on early detection and appropriate therapy (Rezende et al., 2010). The incomplete resection of primary tumour frequently leads to decrease in the survival rate as a consequence of increased risk of recurrence; therefore, complete surgical resection of the tumour is a crucial prognostic step for HNSCC (Armstrong et al., 2010; Jalali et al., 2011). Molecular markers can be used to establish tumour free surgical margins and assist in complete resection of