Mcm-2 protein expression predicts prognosis better than Ki-67 antigen in oral cavity squamocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The present study aimed at evaluating the expression intensities of the Mcm-2 protein and Ki-67 antigen in squamocellular carcinomas of the oral cavity and comparing their prognostic value. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-nine patients, operated on and treated with radiotherapy for carcinoma of the oral cavity floor and/or the mobile part of the tongue, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS A significant positive correlation was noted between the expression of Mcm-2 protein and that of the Ki-67 antigen, as well as an absence of such correlations with the remaining examined factors. A significant correlation with worse disease-specific survival period (DSS) in the group of patients demonstrating Mcm-2 protein expression in over 10% of cancer cells was detected (5-year cumulative DSS 50% vs. 76%). CONCLUSION The results suggested that the expression of Mcm-2 protein may be used as a prognostic factor in patients with squamocellular carcinoma of the oral cavity.