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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Translationally-Relevant Tumor Resection Model for Murine Preclinical Models of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 3, 2026
MASPIN tumour-suppressing activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: emerging evidence and therapeutic
Gino Marioni1, Claudia Staffieri, Alberto Staffieri
1Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. gino.marioni@unipd.it
Conclusions:
A large series confirmation may suggest elective neck dissection in cN0 MASPIN-negative oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Re-activated nuclear MASPIN in association with anti-angiogenic or cytotoxic drugs may be extremely effective in the treatment of laryngeal SCC.
Objectives:
MASPIN is a serpin showing a unique tumour-suppressing activity. Despite the significant incidence of head and neck SCC (HNSCC), a limited number of studies has considered MASPIN's role in these malignancies. This review focuses on the attempts to translate MASPIN's HNSCC suppressive properties toward a diagnostic/prognostic tool and a novel carcinoma therapy.
Methods:
A systematic literature review was performed to investigate available evidence about MASPIN subcellular localization and biological role in HNSCC.
Results:
Five studies have investigated MASPIN's expression in oral SCC. Most of them concluded that low or absent MASPIN cytoplasmic expression was more frequent in oral carcinomas with lymph node metastases. Only our group evaluated MASPIN's role in laryngeal SCC. Higher nuclear MASPIN expression was found in patients without SCC recurrence and was significantly associated with longer disease-free survival. Micro-vascular density was lower in laryngeal carcinomas with MASPIN nuclear staining. The relation between MASPIN and M30-assessed apoptosis in laryngeal SCC supports the hypothesis of an important apoptosis-sensitizing effect of nuclear MASPIN.
Insights
MASPIN (MFS-1) expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may predict patient outcomes. Low cytoplasmic MASPIN correlates with metastasis in oral SCC, while nuclear MASPIN indicates better prognosis in laryngeal SCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MASPIN (MFS-1) is a serpin with demonstrated tumor-suppressing activity.
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a significant incidence, yet MASPIN's role in these malignancies is under-explored.
- This review explores translating MASPIN's potential into diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications for HNSCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on MASPIN's subcellular localization and biological function in HNSCC.
- To assess MASPIN's potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in HNSCC.
- To evaluate MASPIN-targeted therapies for HNSCC.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted.
- Evidence regarding MASPIN's subcellular localization and biological role in HNSCC was investigated.
- Studies on MASPIN expression in oral and laryngeal SCC were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Low or absent cytoplasmic MASPIN expression is more frequent in oral SCC with lymph node metastases.
- Higher nuclear MASPIN expression in laryngeal SCC is associated with longer disease-free survival and reduced micro-vascular density.
- Nuclear MASPIN expression in laryngeal SCC correlates with increased apoptosis, suggesting a sensitizing effect.
Conclusions:
- Elective neck dissection may be considered for cN0 oral SCC patients with MASPIN-negative status.
- Re-activated nuclear MASPIN, combined with anti-angiogenic or cytotoxic drugs, holds promise for treating laryngeal SCC.
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