Low-density neutrophils: A critical component in understanding the tumor microenvironment of oral squamous cell...

Tumour microenvironment is one of the evading research studies in the progression of cancers. Circulating neutrophil's contribution to tumor growth and metastatic progression has been a matter of research interest. The phenotypic subset of low-density neutrophils (LDNs) has been seen as closely associated with disease severity in various cancers.

This study aims to investigate the LDN and normal-density neutrophil (NDN) populations in oral cancer.

This is prospective research in which the CD16+ population was magnetically sorted and leukocytes were separated in a density gradient. Using a flow cytometer, the percentages of the neutrophil subpopulation were ascertained. It was established that there are two distinct populations of human neutrophils: LDNs and NDNs.

Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) showed a higher percentage of LDN/NDN ratio and a correspondingly lower percentage of LDN/NDN ratio when compared to the control group. In addition, patients with OSCC had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs).

The current study showed a significant correlation between the LDN/NDN ratio in OSCC, which could be used as a benchmark for novel treatments. Additionally, the acquired LDNs/NDNs and NLR levels in cancer patients demonstrate their importance in OSCC patient prognosis and diagnosis.