JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Fusobacterium nucleatum and IL-32 co-predict nodal metastasis preoperatively in head and neck cancer

  • 0ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Translational Cancer Research +

|

July 21, 2025

|

July 21, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Fusobacterium nucleatum and interleukin-32 show promise as biomarkers for predicting lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Their combined use with alcohol and Ki-67 enhances preoperative assessment for HNSCC patients.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) frequently involves lymph node metastasis (LNM), impacting patient prognosis.
  • Accurate preoperative assessment of LNM is crucial for effective treatment planning in HNSCC.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the potential of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) and interleukin-32 (IL-32) as co-predictors for cervical LNM in HNSCC.
  • To enhance the preoperative evaluation of metastatic status in HNSCC patients.

Main Methods

  • Collected samples from 254 HNSCC patients, including clinical data, tumor tissue, and plasma.
  • Assessed IL-32 expression via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and F. nucleatum enrichment using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
  • Performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify significant risk factors for LNM.

Main Results

  • IL-32 levels were significantly higher in tumor tissue compared to paracancerous tissue (P<0.001).
  • High F. nucleatum enrichment correlated with elevated IL-32 expression (P=0.04).
  • Alcohol consumption, Ki-67 expression, F. nucleatum enrichment, and IL-32 expression were identified as significant risk factors for LNM. Combined analysis yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

  • F. nucleatum enrichment in tumor tissue positively correlates with high IL-32 expression.
  • F. nucleatum and IL-32, along with Ki-67 and alcohol, may serve as effective preoperative predictors for LNM in HNSCC.
  • These findings can aid in developing personalized surgical strategies for HNSCC patients.

Keywords: