# Application of a preclinical 18-gene classifier to patients with locally advanced HNSCC

## TL;DR

A preclinical 18-gene classifier for head and neck cancer is shown to predict treatment outcomes in patients when applied to real-world data.

## Contribution

The study validates a preclinical gene classifier in human patients and links it to EGFR and loco-regional control.

## Key findings

- The 18-gene classifier correlates with EGFR expression in HNSCC patients.
- The classifier stratifies patients for loco-regional control in two cohorts.
- Similar gene expression patterns were observed between xenografts and patient data.

## Abstract

•Translation of 18-gene signature from HNSCC xenografts to two HNSCC patient cohorts.•Significant relation of the classifier to EGFR expression and LRC.•Similarities were observed between xenograft and patient data.

Translation of 18-gene signature from HNSCC xenografts to two HNSCC patient cohorts.

Significant relation of the classifier to EGFR expression and LRC.

Similarities were observed between xenograft and patient data.

In a previous preclinical trial on human HNSCC xenografts, 18 genes were predictive for adding cetuximab to fractionated radiotherapy. Here, we apply the corresponding 18-gene classifier to two HNSCC patient cohorts treated with combined radiochemotherapy (without cetuximab). We show that the classifier is related to EGFR expression and stratifies patients for loco-regional control (LRC) in both cohorts.