Correlation between HIF-1α and BCL2 Expression and Tumor Behavior in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

 Head and neck cancer represents more than 550,000 cases and 380,000 deaths every year worldwide.  Previous hospital-based studies from Egypt showed that HNC constitutes about 17-20% of all malignancies.  The main risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use and HPV virus infection.  Most of patients present with late stage disease where cure rates reach only 30%.  Studies have shown that HNSCC are heterogeneous tumors which made it difficult to accurately predicts prognosis, treatment planning and identification of the causative cancer genes.