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Published on: October 13, 2023
Comprehensive Immunophenotypic Profiling and Prognostic Value in Salivary Gland Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Vy Ngoc Thuy Tran1, Komkrit Ruangritchankul2, Nikolaos G Nikitakis3
1Oral Biology International Graduate Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence and Innovation for Oral Health and Healthy Longevity, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) exhibits complex tumor microenvironments. High Ki-67 expression and CK19 loss indicate aggressive disease and poor prognosis in MEC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary malignancy.
- Understanding MEC's proliferative and immunophenotypic profiles is crucial for prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize MEC's proliferative and immunophenotypic profiles.
- To associate these profiles with clinicopathologic features, tumor microenvironment (TME), and prognosis.
- To explore Pan-TRK expression in MEC.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used on 41 MEC cases.
- Markers assessed included Ki-67, Cytokeratin 19 (CK19), Aquaporin 5 (AQP5), CD3, CD8, and Pan-TRK.
- Correlations were made between protein expression and clinicopathologic parameters.
Main Results:
- Elevated Ki-67 correlated with aggressive features and poor outcomes.
- Reduced CK19 expression was linked to high-grade MEC and unfavorable prognosis.
- Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density correlated with increased risk; Pan-TRK expression was infrequent and not prognostically significant.
Conclusions:
- MEC's immunophenotypic heterogeneity reflects TME complexity.
- Ki-67 is a reliable indicator of proliferative activity and poor prognosis.
- High Ki-67, CK19 loss, and high TIL density predict increased recurrence risk.
