Table 4

Gene expression associated with lymph node metastasis and clinical outcome.

Logistic regression model

Response variable

Gene

Odds ratio

C.I.* 95%

p-value

Lymph node metastasis**

INHBA (> 4.88)

5.6

1.5-21.8

0.012

SERPINA3 (< 10.74)

4.0

1.0-15.4

0.044

Cox proportional hazards model

Response variable

Gene

Hazard ratio

C.I.* 95%

p-value

Recurrence-free survival***

BST2 (< 3.07)

8.9

1.2-68.7

0.035

HNSCC patients were classified according to pathologic lymph node status (positive or negative) or tumor recurrence (recurrent or non-recurrent tumor) after treatment (surgery with neck dissection followed by radiotherapy) and samples from primary tumors were collected. Gene expression was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Logistic regression model was employed to identify independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis (pN+). Cox proportional hazards model was employed to identify independent risk factors for recurrence.

* C.I.: confidence interval

** Logistic regression model was adjusted by the following variables: CCL20 expression and primary site.

*** Cox proportional hazards model was adjusted by the following variables: CCL20 expression, primary site, and clinical staging.

Coló et al. BMC Medical Genomics 2011 4:33   doi:10.1186/1755-8794-4-33