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CD73 expression in lymph node metastases in patients with head and neck cancer
Magis Mandapathil1,2, Mehtap Boduc1, Christoph Netzer1
1a Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery , Philipps-Universität Marburg , Germany.
Introduction:
CD73 is an enzyme crucial in the metabolism of immunosuppressive adenosine. In cancer, it has various functions including tumor growth and metastases. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck has an overall poor prognosis, also due to early spread of metastatic cells.
Materials And Methods:
Tumor and lymph node specimens of 65 patients with HNSCC were subjected to immunohistochemical and H-score analysis of CD73 expression. Demographics, diagnoses, histopathology and subsequent outcome were analyzed.
Results:
The primary cancer was squamous cell carcinoma in all patients (male/female 55:10) with the following locations: oral cavity n:16, oropharynx n:28, hypopharynx n:11 and larynx n:10. H-score for CD73 expression in the primary lesion and metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher in advanced compared to early stages with no significant differences among tumor locations. High CD73 expression was associated with reduced overall survival rates at a mean follow-up of 83.4 months (6-204 months).
Conclusions:
CD73 expression in HNSCC correlated positively with tumor stage and was associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, CD73 expression in primary lesions and regional metastases appears to predict HNSCC patients at high risk of all tumor sites. Therapeutic approaches targeting CD73 might seem promising for this patient population.
Insights
High CD73 enzyme expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) correlates with advanced tumor stage and poor patient survival. Targeting CD73 may offer new therapeutic strategies for HNSCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- CD73 is an enzyme vital for adenosine metabolism, influencing immune suppression.
- In cancer, CD73 promotes tumor growth and metastasis.
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) often presents with poor prognosis due to early metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between CD73 expression and clinicopathological features in HNSCC.
- To determine if CD73 expression predicts prognosis and survival in HNSCC patients.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis and H-score of CD73 expression in tumor and lymph node specimens from 65 HNSCC patients.
- Analysis of patient demographics, diagnoses, histopathology, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- CD73 expression was significantly higher in advanced HNSCC stages compared to early stages.
- High CD73 expression in primary lesions and metastatic lymph nodes was linked to reduced overall survival.
- No significant differences in CD73 expression were observed among different tumor locations.
Conclusions:
- CD73 expression positively correlates with tumor stage in HNSCC.
- Elevated CD73 levels in primary tumors and metastases indicate a poor prognosis for HNSCC patients.
- Targeting CD73 presents a potential therapeutic avenue for HNSCC treatment.
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