Prediction of combination therapy efficacy in patients with locally advanced squamous cell oropharyngeal carcinoma

Background. Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is characterized by late-stage diagnosis and high rate of mortality. Combined modality treatment including preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard of care for OPSCC. The search for criteria for predicting the efficacy of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with a view to prescribe it to those patients for whom it is really indicated and will be effective remains challenging. The aim of the study was to identify serum actin-binding proteins that can predict preoperative therapy efficacy in patients with OPSCC. Material and Methods. Blood serum from 45 patients with stage II-IV OPSCC was studied. All patients received preoperative chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. Radiation therapy in a standard mode was given 2 weeks after chemothetapy. Serum levels of actin-binding proteins (CAP1, fascin, ezrin, gelsolin, and profiling) were determined before treatment using ELISA.