Objective: To investigate the correlation between p16 gene mutation and laryngeal cancer biological behavior as well as its prognosis in laryngeal cancer.
Method: 24 specimens of primary laryngeal cancer and 10 speciments with benign lesion in larynx were examined for mutations in exon2 of p16 by using PCR-SSCP silver stainning technique.
Result: Mutations frequency of laryngeal cancer was 62.5% (15/24). Nothing was found in 10 cases with laryngeal benign lesion.
Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between p16 gene mutation and the biological behavior of chinese laryngeal cancer, such as histologic differentiation, invasion stage, and regional lymph nodes metastasis (P < or = 0.05). PCR-SSCP silver stainning technique is one of the most sensitive and simplest measure for detecting genetic mutation. It is worth using in clinical laboratory because of its readiness, repetition and lower cost.