Expression of P53 and EGFR in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

Background: The process of oral carcinogenesis encompasses multiple proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, including p16, cyclin D1, p53, and EGFR. A significant player in this context is the TP53 gene, situated on chromosome 17p, which is susceptible to frequent mutations during human carcinogenesis. This study aims to assess the immunohistochemical overexpression of p53 in cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its connection to various clinicopathologic features and survival rates. Methods: Tissue samples from head and neck lesions were fixed in formalin, processed, and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) for routine diagnosis. Selective sections were stained with immunohistochemistry markers p53 and EGFR to assess their expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Tumors were graded according to Broder’s criteria. Results: The expression of p53 in the oral cavity was showed in 43 (66.15%) cases, out of these 3 cases (4.61%) showed strong p53 positivity,14 cases (21.53%) showed moderate p53 positivity and 26 cases (40%) showed weak p53 positivity. The expression of EGFR in the oral cavity showed in 43 (66.15%) cases, out of these, 4 cases (6.15%) were showed strong EGFR positivity,14 cases (21.53%) were showed moderate EGFR positivity and 25 cases (38.46%) were showed weak EGFR positivity. Conclusion: The clinical significance of p53 and EGFR alterations in relation to HNSCC treatment is an area of active research. However, several studies have indicated that p53 and EGFR expression represent good prognostic parameters and can be used to predict the response to chemoradiation therapy.