Association of p21-activated kinase-1 activity with aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis of head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the role of p21-activated kinase (PAK)-1 in progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODS: We examined PAK isoforms and explored whether PAK activation enhanced in vitro invasion of the HNSCC cell line. We analyzed the relationship between PAK1 expression and various clinicopathological features and investigated the effect of PAK1 overexpression on survival in 119 patients with HNSCC.

RESULTS: PAK1 and PAK2 are predominantly expressed in HNSCC cells and patient tissues. Particularly, PAK1 makes the dominant contribution to increase in cell migration and invasion. There was a statistically significant correlation between PAK1 overexpression and aggressive cancer behavior. Moreover, PAK1 seemed to be a prognostic factor for overall and disease-specific survival in patients. Interestingly, enhancement of PAK1 expression was found in the invasive front of cancer.

CONCLUSION: PAK1 is associated with the aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis of head and neck cancer.