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Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients as related
Angela F Logullo1, Suely Nonogaki, Roberto E Miguel
1Departamento de Radiologia, Disciplina de Oncologia da Faculdade de Medicina da USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Background:
Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) is a negative growth regulator in keratinocytes, and in vitro studies lead to the concept that loss of TGFbeta1 responsiveness is a critical step in epithelial carcinogenesis.
Objective:
To investigate the prognostic relevance of TGFbeta1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Materials And Methods:
TGFbeta1 distribution was determined by immunohistochemistry in oral cavity/oropharynx (n = 79), larynx (n = 36) and hypopharynx (n = 25) tumors and in matched normal adjacent mucosa. TGFbeta-type I and II receptors were determined in 20 cases of differentiated oral cavity/hypopharynx tumors. Cases were considered positive if displaying reactivity in >10% of the cells.
Results:
TGFbeta1-positive expression was found in 47.2% of larynx, 36.7% of oral cavity/oropharynx and in 24% of the hypopharynx tumors. Reactivity in >60% of the cells was displayed only by 11.4% of HNSCC. All normal controls were positive. TGFbeta1-positive expression did not correlate with clinico pathological parameters. An association with differentiation was verified only in oral cavity/oropharynx tumors (P
Insights
Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was assessed. TGFbeta1 protein immunostaining did not correlate with prognosis, suggesting it is not a useful biomarker for HNSCC patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) inhibits keratinocyte growth.
- Loss of TGFbeta1 responsiveness is implicated in epithelial carcinogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognostic significance of TGFbeta1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to determine TGFbeta1 distribution in HNSCC tumors and adjacent normal mucosa.
- TGFbeta receptors I and II were assessed in a subset of tumors.
- Tumor samples included oral cavity/oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx.
Main Results:
- TGFbeta1 expression varied across HNSCC subtypes, with larynx tumors showing the highest positive rate (47.2%).
- TGFbeta1 expression did not correlate with clinicopathological parameters or 5-year survival.
- Disruption of the TGFbeta1 pathway was suggested by discordant expression of TGFbeta-RI and TGFbeta-RII.
Conclusions:
- TGFbeta1 protein immunostaining is not a reliable biomarker for assessing prognosis in HNSCC.
- The study highlights potential pathway disruptions in HNSCC despite TGFbeta1 expression.
