Author/Authors :
Chitapanarux, Imjai Division of Radiation Oncology - Department of Radiology - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , Lekawanvijit, Suree Department of Pathology - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , Sripan, Patumrat Northern Thai Research Group of Radiation Oncology (NTRG-RO) - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , Mahanupab, Pongsak Department of Pathology - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , Chakrabandhu, Somvilai Division of Radiation Oncology - Department of Radiology - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , Onchan, Wimrak Division of Radiation Oncology - Department of Radiology - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , Sittitrai, Pichit Department of Otolaryngology - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , Boonlert, Donyarat Department of Otolaryngology - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , Klibngern, Hanpon Department of Otolaryngology - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , Samuckkeethum, Wisarut Department of Otolaryngology - Faculty of Medicine - Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Abstract :
Background: Overexpression of excision repair cross‑complementing Group 1 (ERCC‑1) is related to cisplatin resistance and defective
repair of radiation damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of excision (ERCC‑1) expression in
nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with NPC
between 2000 and 2013. The archived tissues were analyzed using immunohistochemistry to determine ERCC‑1 expression. The
ERCC‑1 expression level along with other clinical factors and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Hazard ratio (HR) with a 95%
confidence interval was calculated to assess the risk. Results: The analysis of ERCC‑1 expression was available in 262 NPC patients
who had medical records at our hospital. Among those patients, 221 (84%) were treated with curative radiotherapy (RT)/concurrent
chemoradiotherapy, 22 (7%) were treated with palliative RT alone, and 19 (9%) were given best supportive care. There was no correlation
between ERCC‑1 expression and stage of cancer or OS. No difference in 5‑year OS was found between patients with low ERCC‑1
expression and high ERCC‑1 expression (38% vs. 36%; P = 0.981). The adjusted HR (aHR) of cancer death increased with cancer
stage (aHR = 2.93 for advanced Stages III–IV; P = 0.001) and age (aHR = 2.11 for age >55; P ≤ 0.001). ERCC‑1 expression exhibited
no prognostic significance in our study (aHR = 1). Conclusion: In this study, ERCC‑1 expression has no statistical significance to
be considered a prognostic factor for OS among NPC patients. On the other hand, cancer stage, age, and types of treatment can be
prognostic factors in NPC patients.
