Significance of molecular markers in survival prediction of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background. An accurate system for predicting the survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) will be useful for deciding appropriate therapies. The prediction accuracy of prediction models can be improved by using molecular biomarkers. We constructed a nomogram for predicting the survival of patients with OSCC using clinical variables and molecular markers. Methods. Protein 53 (p53), insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), and HuR were localized immunohistochemistry in 96 patients with primary OSCC who underwent surgical resection between January 1994 and June 2003 at the Yonsei Dental Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Results. On univariate and multivariate analysis, the expression of IMP3 was significantly associated with the risk of death. P53 was also significantly associated with survival of OSCC in the case of negative IMP3 and the prediction accuracy was improved by including these 2 factors in the prediction model. Conclusion. Survival in OSCC can be predicted more accurately by using biomarkers. The constructed nomogram predicted survival after treatment for an individual patient with OSCC, and it can be practically used as a tool to help decide which adjuvant treatment is most appropriate.