Overexpression of GLUT-1 is associated with resistance to radiotherapy and adverse prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

This study tested the hypothesis that GLUT-1 is a marker of radioresistance in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). A GLUT-1 labeling index (LI) was determined by immunohistochemistry in 40 pretreatment OSCC biopsies. Radiation responses were categorized by histopathology of the resection specimens. Associations between the LI and radiation response, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox regression analysis for the variables GLUT-1, T-stage, N-stage and chemotherapy were examined. The median LI was 64.2% (range 14-100%). Tumors with65% of GLUT-1+cells were more resistant to radiation (p=0.023). Overall survival was higher (p=0.044) for subjects with low LI (median value) than those with …