Introducing Cytology-Based Theranostics in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pilot Program

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biomarker Discovery
• Translational Research

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) requires effective biomarker profiling for theranostics.
• Identifying prognostic markers is crucial for guiding targeted therapy in OSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and reliability of brush cytology for biomarker expression profiling in OSCC.
• To correlate OSCC biomarker profiles with patient outcomes within a theranostic framework.
• To identify prognostic markers relevant to targeted therapy in OSCC.

Main Methods:

• Immunocytochemistry was performed on archival primary tumor samples from 99 OSCC patients.
• A panel of 7 prognostic markers, including those in EGFR and angiogenic pathways, was analyzed.
• Brush cytology technique was evaluated for its applicability in biomarker analysis.

Main Results:

• Brush cytology proved feasible and reliable for biomarker expression profiling in OSCC.
• The study confirmed the prognostic significance of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family in OSCC.
• The angiogenic pathway was also affirmed as prognostically significant and relevant for targeted therapy in OSCC.

Conclusions:

• Brush cytology is a feasible and applicable method for OSCC biomarker profiling in theranostics.
• EGFR family and angiogenic pathways are significant prognostic indicators in OSCC.
• These findings support the use of brush cytology for guiding targeted therapies in oral cancer.