Prognostic Role of Combined EGFR and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

BackgroundEpidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is well known as a general prognostic biomarker for head and neck tumors, however the specific prognostic value of EGFR in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is controversial. Recently, the presence of tumor-infiltrating T cells has been associated with significant survival advantages in a variety of disease sites. The present study will determine if the inclusion of T cell specific markers (CD3, CD4 and CD8) would enhance the prognostic value of EGFR in OSCCs.MethodsTissue microarrays containing 146 OSCC cases were analyzed for EGFR, CD3, CD4 and CD8 expression using immunohistochemical staining. EGFR and T cell expression scores were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and survival outcomes.ResultsResults showed that EGFR expression had no impact on overall survival (OS), but EGFR-positive (EGFR+) OSCC patients demonstrated significantly worse progression free survival (PFS) compared to EGFR-negative (EGFR-) patients. Patients with CD3, CD4 and CD8-positive tumors had significantly better OS compared to CD3, CD4 and CD8-negative patients respectively, but no impact on PFS. Combined EGFR+/CD3+ expression was associated with cases with no nodal involvement and significantly more favorable OS compared to EGFR+/CD3- expression. CD3 expression had no impact on OS or PFS in EGFR- patients. Combinations of EGFR/CD8 and EGFR/CD4 expression showed no significant differences in OS or PFS among the expression groups.ConclusionAltogether these results suggest that the expression of CD3+ tumor-infiltrating T cells can enhance the prognostic value of EGFR expression and warrants further investigation as prognostic biomarkers for OSCC.

Analysis of mRNA-miRNA interaction network reveals the role of CAFs-derived exosomes in the immune regulation of oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…3 D). Positive CD3 and CD8 indicate excess cellular immunity [ 20 – 22 ]. Immunohistochemical results showed that CD3 and CD8 positive cells were significantly reduced in the CAFs group and showed high expression in the NC and hOMF-Exo groups (Fig.…”

“…In tumor formation experiments in nude mice, we found that CAFs-Exo promoted tumor growth, resulting in a significant decrease in the number of CD3 + and CD8 + cells. It has been shown that the number of CD3 + and CD8 + cells is an important reference for determining the prognosis of OSCC, and changes in the number of these cells are closely associated with dysregulation of the immune microenvironment [ 20 – 22 ]. Therefore, the analysis of exosome sequencing data focused more on changes in immune module-related genes and possible immune regulatory pathways.…”

Pathophysiology, Histopathology, and Differential Diagnostics of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma—An Update from the Pathologist’s Point of View

“…Thus, serological subtypes 16 and 18 are directly involved in the oncogenesis of SCC (at the oropharyngeal and anogenital levels) and also that of cSCC. By engaging the E6 and E7 proteins of the HPV virus, it affects the p53 pathway and the retinoblastoma pathway, inducing uncontrolled tumor proliferation [16,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

Mutational Landscape of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Investigated Through the Developmental Dynamics of Oral Squamous Epithelium

“…EGFR mutations may interact with other growth factor signaling pathways involved in oral squamous epithelium development. Mutated EGFR may crosstalk with the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, amplifying downstream signaling effects [94].…”