Comparison of Loss of Heterozygosity as a Marker of Various Histological Grades of Squamous Cell Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy. Tumors have always been graded to assess the biological behaviour and predict the prognosis. However with development of Molecular science Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has come out as an important marker for predicting disease progression. We need to correlate specific markers in various tumor grades to predict the overall prognosis. Methods: An observational study aimed at studying the LOH at 3p& 9 p by PCR in HNSCC. Results: 30 cases were studied and LOH either at 3p or 9p was seen progressively more in MDSCC& PDSCCC. Interpretation: More studies for risk stratification and LOH collectively need to be done before incorporating LOH as a biomarker for predicting prognosis.