Serum concentrations of laminin γ2 fragments in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background, The laminin (LN) gamma 2 chain expression has been linked to tumor invasion and prognosis. To provide a convenient clinical use, procedures that analyze LN gamma 2 expression by using the serum and/or urine of patients should be developed. Methods. The serum concentrations of the N-terminal fragments of the LN gamma 2 chain in 73 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas were measured by immunoassay. Results. The concentrations of the LN gamma 2 fragments ranged between 14.5 and 324.2 ng/mL, and the normal upper limit was estimated to be 50 ng/mL. The LN gamma 2 fragment concentrations increased according to the T classification. The amount of elevated LN gamma 2 fragment concentrations decreased after the use of curative treatments. Three patients displayed a continuous increase of the concentrations and subsequently died of the diseases. Conclusions. The serum concentrations of the LN gamma 2 fragments may prove useful in assessing the treatment results and clinical courses of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.