p16 EXPRESSION AND ITS CORRELATION WITH LUNG METASTASIS IN HUMAN SALIVARY ADENOID CYSTIC CARCINOMA

Objective To investigate p16 gene expression in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and the relation between p16 gene expression and lung metastasis. Methods p16 gene protein was detected in 36 cases of ACC by ABC immunohistochemical method. Results 58 3 % (21/36) cases showed positive staining. Higher incidence for positive staining was found in ACC without lung metastasis 76 % (19/25) than those with lung metastasis 36 6 % (4/11) with remarkable statistical difference. Expression of p16 was correlated with the P TNM stageing ( P 0 05), but was not with pathologic pattern ( P 0 05). Conclusion The p16 gene may play an important role in suppressing the expression of metastatic potential in human salivary ACC.