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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
10:43
Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids
Published on: December 23, 2022
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Chromosomal instability in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Vasileios S Papanikolaou1, Efthymios Kyrodimos, Evangelos Tsiambas
11st ENT Dept, Hippocration Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Summary
Chromosomal instability (CI) drives oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression. Specific chromosomal gains and losses in OSCC correlate with aggressive disease and poor patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) incidence is rising, linked to high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HR-HPV), smoking, and alcohol.
- Genetic and epigenetic alterations, including chromosomal instability (CI), drive the malignant transformation of oral epithelia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of chromosomal instability (CI) in the progression and biological behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Main Methods:
- Extensive cytogenetic analyses were performed to identify gross chromosomal alterations (gains/losses) in OSCC.
- Specific chromosomal regions associated with CI patterns were analyzed.
Main Results:
- OSCC exhibits significant chromosomal instability, with gains and losses observed across multiple chromosomes (3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20).
- Specific CI patterns, characterized by these chromosomal alterations, are associated with an aggressive phenotype, including lymph node metastasis.
- These CI patterns negatively impact patient prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Chromosomal instability is a key factor in OSCC progression and aggressiveness.
- Identifying CI patterns can aid in predicting patient outcomes and understanding OSCC behavior.
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