Tissue microarray analysis of C-MYC oncogene copy number changes in larynx carcinoma

Purpose of the Study: Copy number changes and structural rearrangements of 8q in tumors from the head and neck region have been reported by numerous studies. To give better insights into the role of 8q abnormalities in larynx carcinoma, C-MYC copy number changes were studied in a large number of tumor materials. Procedures: Fluorescent in situ hybridization with DNA locus-specific probe for C-MYC gene was applied on tissue microarrays presented by 863 larynx tumors. Results: 32.02% had increased copy number of C-MYC. Of these, 6.16% had amplification and 25.86% had C-MYC gains. The analysis revealed a significant difference in the frequency of gains in primary and advanced tumors. Furthermore, we observed an association of gains with advanced clinical stage (I-III to IV). No association was found between the frequency of oncogene amplification and the tumor phenotype. Conclusions: These results suggest that the C-MYC gains are significant for the larynx tumor progression. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.