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Mismatch repair protein loss in cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Kartik Vasan1,2, Sunaina Anand3, Laveniya Satgunaseelan3

  • 1Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

Journal of Surgical Oncology
|September 14, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The study found a 9.1% incidence of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. This deficiency appears sporadic, with no link to patient age or other clinical factors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Advanced cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNcSCC) present significant treatment challenges.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors are approved for DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficient cancers.
  • Understanding MMR deficiency in HNcSCC is crucial for treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of MMR deficiency in advanced HNcSCC.
  • To investigate the association between MMR deficiency and clinicopathological factors.
  • To assess the potential link between MMR deficiency and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to detect MMR protein expression (hMLH1, hMSH2, hMSH6, hPMS2).
  • A cohort of 176 HNcSCC patients treated with curative intent was analyzed.
  • Clinicopathological and survival data were collected prospectively.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of MMR protein deficiency was 9.1% in the studied HNcSCC cohort.
  • No significant association was found between MMR deficiency and patient age.
  • MMR deficiency did not correlate with metachronous malignancies or survival outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Advanced HNcSCC exhibits a notable incidence of MMR deficiency.
  • The sporadic nature of MMR deficiency in HNcSCC is suggested by the lack of association with early onset or metachronous malignancies.
  • Further research may clarify the role of MMR deficiency in HNcSCC treatment response.
Keywords:
MLH1MSH2MSH6PMS2cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinomamismatch repairnonmelonma skin cancer

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