Introduction/Background: The aim of the present study is to determine the expression of p16INK4a and its prognostic utility in the head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is a major public health problem in developing countries. A subset of head and neck cancer is associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) [1]. Viral infection is closely correlated with expression of p16INK4a in these tumours. p16INK4a is the strongest independent prognostic marker in HNSCC and is associated with favourable prognosis [1]. Materials and Methods: The present study is retrospective study done during the period from June 2016 to July 2017. A total of 52 cases were taken and histological grading was done according to WHO criteria. p16INK4a expression was determined by immunohistochemical staining on the paraffin embedded tissue sections. Results: Out of 52 cases, 41/52 cases (78.8%) were positive for p16INK4a and remaining 11/52 cases (21.2%) were negative for p16INK4a. Expression of p16INK4a was graded accordingly. Conclusion: p16INK4a is an independent prognostic marker for HNSCC. p16 protein overexpression is very sensitive for the presence of transcriptionally active HPV and is widely available and also easy to interpret the test result. Expression of p16INK4a has major impact on treatment response and survival in patients with HNSCC. 

Keywords: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC)