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Tissue factor expression in salivary gland carcinoma: a potential novel therapeutic target for advanced disease
Louis Jansen1,2,3, Lisa Nachtsheim1,2, Philipp Wolber1,2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Background:
Salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) are rare head and neck malignancies with diverse molecular profiles and treatment challenges. Tissue factor (TF), a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in cancer pathophysiology, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to investigate TF expression in SGC and its correlation with clinicopathological data.
Design:
A cohort of 109 SGC patients who underwent curative surgery between 1990 and 2023 was analyzed.
Methods:
TF expression in primaries and lymph node (LN) metastases was assessed using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. Histo-scores were calculated for cytoplasmic and membranous staining and correlated with clinicopathological data.
Results:
TF was expressed in 80.7% of samples with a mean combined H-score of 29.6. Moderate and high expression was found in 22.9% of all cases. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), secretory carcinoma, and salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) showed the highest expression. A significantly higher membranous TF expression was observed in SDC LN metastases compared to primaries (71.1 vs 31.7, p = 0.012). Survival analysis revealed a trend toward worse outcomes for tumors with higher TF expression.
Conclusion:
This study provides the first analysis of TF expression in SGC revealing its presence across various subtypes. The findings suggest potential for TF-targeted therapies in SGC treatment, particularly for metastatic SDC and MEC. The trend toward worse survival outcomes in high TF-expressing tumors warrants further investigation.
Insights
Tissue factor (TF) is present in most salivary gland carcinomas (SGC). High TF expression correlates with poorer outcomes, suggesting TF-targeted therapies may benefit SGC patients, especially those with metastatic disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Head and Neck Cancer Research
Background:
- Salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) are rare head and neck cancers with complex molecular characteristics and treatment difficulties.
- Tissue factor (TF), a protein crucial in cancer development, is a potential target for new therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine Tissue factor (TF) expression in various salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) subtypes.
- To correlate TF expression with patient clinicopathological data and survival outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to assess TF expression in primary tumors and lymph node metastases from 109 SGC patients.
- Histo-scores quantified cytoplasmic and membranous TF staining, which were then correlated with clinical data.
Main Results:
- Tissue factor (TF) was detected in 80.7% of SGC samples, with moderate to high expression in 22.9%.
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), secretory carcinoma, and salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) exhibited the highest TF expression.
- Significantly higher membranous TF expression was noted in SDC lymph node metastases compared to primary tumors (p=0.012).
- A trend towards worse survival outcomes was observed in tumors with elevated TF expression.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to analyze TF expression across SGC subtypes, confirming its presence.
- Findings suggest TF-targeted therapies could be beneficial for SGC, particularly for metastatic SDC and MEC.
- The association between high TF expression and poorer survival warrants further investigation for therapeutic development.
