Prognostic significance of prostaglandin E 2 production in fresh tissues of head and neck cancer patients

Background. Immunosuppressive prostaglandins may play a role in the biologic behavior of head and neck cancer. Increased levels of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) have been measured in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Methods. To address this question, tissue levels of PGE 2 were measured in tumor tissues, normal mucosa, and lymph nodes of 37 patients undergoing tumor resections. Tissue specimens were placed in culture media, and levels of PGE 2 released into the supernatant were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results. Tissue levels of PGE 2 were significantly greater in tumor and normal mucosal tissues compared to lymph nodes ( p = 0.0003). There was no difference between metastatic and tumor‐free lymph nodes. Although tumor tissue levels of PGE 2 were not associated with tumor stage, increased levels of PGE 2 were associated with increased 2‐year disease‐free survival ( p = 0.02). Conclusions. Although PGE 2 may have adverse effects on local immune function in tumor tissues, improved survival of patients with increased local PGE 2 production may be indicative of an enhanced immunologic response to the tumor which has a favorable impact on outcome. © 1995 Jons Wiley & Sons, Inc.