Expression of p16 in oral cancer and premalignant lesions

Abstract

Background: Expression of p16 has been proposed as a marker for malignant transformation. This study aimed to evaluate p16 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and premalignant lesions including oral leukoplakia (OL) with and without dysplasia. Methods: Expression of p16 was investigated in 56 samples including OSCC, OL with and without dysplasia, and normal oral mucosa. Expression of p16 was identified by immunohistochemistry, using the CINtecTM p16INK4a Histology Kit. Both nuclear and/or cytoplasmic staining of the keratinocytes were considered to be positive and the percentage of positive cells was calculated. Results: Expression of p16 was detected in 3/16 (18.75%) cases of OSCC, in 4/15 (26.7%) cases of OL without dysplasia, and in none of OL with dysplasia and normal mucosa. No significant differences in p16 expression prevalence were found among OSCC, OL with and without dysplasia and normal mucosa. The percentages of positive cells in OSCC and OL without dysplasia were 0.89 and 0.17, respectively. No significant difference in the percentage of positive keratinocytes was found. Conclusion: As a marker, p16 is not reliable for oral mucosal dysplasia and malignant transformation. © 2008 The Authors.