Uma Vasant Datar*, Alka Dinesh Kale, Punnya Angadi, Seema Hallikerimath, Deepa Mane, Karishma Madhusudan Desai
Datar et al. J Clin Transl Res 2022; 8(1):7
Published online Janauary 25, 2022
Abstract
Background & aim: Cancer-associated fibroblasts are amongst the key tumor microenvironment components that determine tumor invasion, progression, and resistance to cancer therapeutics. Histologically normal mucosa adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma has been shown to harbor cancer-associated fibroblasts which aid in the loco-regional recurrence of the lesion. Verrucous carcinoma, a low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma, has a better clinical outcome. However, few verrucous carcinomas show an aggressive biological course and necessitate wide excision with strict follow-up. Scarce literature is available regarding the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in verrucous carcinomas. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the frequency of cancer-associated fibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma, normal mucosa adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma, and verrucous carcinoma.
Methods: Thirty cases of squamous cell carcinoma, normal mucosa adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma, and verrucous carcinoma each were included in the study. The sections were stained with an antibody against alpha-smooth muscle actin protein and cancer-associated fibroblast frequency was evaluated.
Results: The cancer-associated fibroblast frequency was highest in squamous cell carcinoma, followed by verrucous carcinoma, and least in normal mucosa adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Cancer-associated fibroblast frequency progressively increases with an increase in the grade or biological behavior of the lesion. Thus, screening cancer associated fibroblast frequency in these benign and malignant oral lesions is necessary for better treatment outcomes.
Relevance for patients: The immunohistochemical screening for CAFs in oral squamous cell carcinoma and verrucous carcinoma can serve as an integrated approach for the development of a directed treatment plan that leads to a better patient prognosis. Routine assessment of CAF frequency in surgical margins can serve as an adjunct in determining clear margins and possible locoregional recurrence. Furthermore, target therapy for CAFs can be used to minimize possible recurrence and distant metastasis.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18053/jctres.08.202201.007
Author affiliation
1. Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India 416414
2. KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, KLE Academy of higher education and research [KLE University], Belagavi, Karnataka, India. 590010
3. Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018
*Corresponding author
Uma Vasant Datar
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India 416414
Email: dataruv@gmail.com
Handling editor:
Michal Heger
Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
Department of Pharmaceutics, Jiaxing University Medical College, Zhejiang, China
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