OBJECTIVES:

• Determine whether molecular detection of p53 mutation in cancerous cells of histologically negative tumor margins can predict local recurrence in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract.
• Determine the incidence of p53 mutation in this population and its correlation with clinical parameters.
• Determine whether molecular detection of cancerous cells in lymph nodes from stage N0-1 neck dissections can predict survival and the risks of regional recurrence and distant metastases in these patients.

OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study.

Patients undergo standard curative resection and neck node dissection (if appropriate). Specimens are collected from tumor tissue (necrosis-free, if possible), each wound quadrant, any neck disease with clinically negative nodes, and any neck disease with a single positive node for histologic and molecular analysis. Tissue and cells are examined for p53 mutation and DNA microsatellite repeat alterations. Patients undergo adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, as appropriate for clinical staging and histopathology, at the discretion of the participating clinician.

Patients do not receive results of genetic testing and the results do not affect treatment.

Patients are followed every 6 months for 3 years and then annually thereafter.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total 530 patients will be accrued for this study within 3.5 years.