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Cancer-associated fibroblasts in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Clinical significance, prognostic impact, and correlation with microvessel density

  • 0Department of Otolaryngology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The 980th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050082, China.
Pathology, Research and Practice +

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July 31, 2025

|

July 31, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and high microvessel density (MVD) in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) are linked to poor prognosis. These factors promote tumor growth and metastasis, highlighting their significance for patient outcomes.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Pathology

Background

  • Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial in tumor progression, recurrence, and metastasis.
  • Limited research exists on the clinicopathological significance and prognostic implications of CAFs and microvessel density (MVD) in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC).

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the clinicopathological significance of CAFs and MVD in HPSCC.
  • To explore the prognostic value of CAFs and MVD in HPSCC patients.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CAF function in HPSCC.

Main Methods

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to analyze CAF markers (FAP, α-SMA) and MVD (CD31) in 96 HPSCC tissue samples.
  • Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify potential CAF-related mechanisms.

Main Results

  • HPSCC tissues showed increased CAFs and MVD compared to normal tissues.
  • High MVD correlated with increased FAP/α-SMA expression, CAF density, and lymph node metastasis.
  • Both CAF enrichment and high MVD were associated with adverse clinicopathological features and reduced overall survival.
  • MVD and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for mortality risk.

Conclusions

  • CAFs and MVD significantly impact HPSCC patient prognosis.
  • CAFs influence tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis via pathways like PI3K-Akt, KRAS, and Hedgehog.
  • Angiogenesis and immunosuppression are key mechanisms by which CAFs affect HPSCC prognosis and drive tumor progression.

Keywords:

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