唇癌中的免疫检查点分析

The aim of this study was to establish whether PD-L1, PD-1, and markers of the tumor microenvironment (CD4, CD8, FOXP3) could have a prognostic value in squamous cell carcinoma of the lip (LSCC). In patients with histologically proven LSCC, tumor specimens were stained using immunohistochemistry (for PD-1, PD-L1, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3) on paraffin-embedded tissues. Patients with (N+) and without (N-) nodal metastasis were stratified and matched to each other according to prognostically relevant clinicopathological parameters. 58 patients (29 N+ and 29 N-) were included.

PD-L1 expression was positive (>1%) in 56. 1% (n = 33) of all LSCC cases, but its expression did not differ significantly between metastasis groups (65. 5% in N+ versus 48. 3% in N-; p = 0. 144). Nodal disseminated LSCC showed a tendency for higher PD-L1 expression.

None of the analyzed markers showed significant correlation with the risk for nodal disease, or revealed significant prognostic value. Due to their significant expression, PD-L1 and PD-1 are potential targets for checkpoint inhibitor therapy in LSCC. Their expression should be analyzed in advanced and metastasized LSCC cases.