Abstract 4373: SOX2-related gene signature predicting the prognosis in head and neck squamous cell cancer

Purpose: Numerous studies have indicated that Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) is involved in many squamous cell carcinomas. However, the role of SOX2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether activation of SOX2 is significantly associated with prognosis in HNSCC. Methods: Gene expression signature reflecting SOX2 activation was identified in HNSCC cohort, and patients were stratified into two groups according to this signature: SOX2-high group or SOX2-low group. Validation of the signature was sought in two independent patient groups. The association between the signature and prognosis of patients was assessed. Results: The SOX2-low group was associated with poor prognosis for HNSCC in three independent patient cohorts. In a multivariate analysis, the impact of the SOX2 signature on overall survival (OS) was independent of other clinical variables [hazard ratio (HR), 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09 - 1.92; P=0.01]. In patients who received radiotherapy (RT), SOX2-low group had significantly poor OS than those in SOX2-high group. Conclusions: SOX2-low signature is associated with poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC and could be used to predict patients who would benefit from RT. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Young-Gyu Eun, Young Chan Lee, Jun Eul Hwang. SOX2-related gene signature predicting the prognosis in head and neck squamous cell cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4373. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4373