Spatial distribution of cancer stem cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

CD44 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) are considered putative markers of highly tumorigenic cells (i.e., cancer stem-like cells) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. This small subset of cells is believed to be the primary responsible for tumor initiation and progression. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the patterns of CD44 and ALDH1 expression in the tumor center and in the invasive front, as well as in adjacent non-tumor epithelium, and (ii) to correlate these findings with clinical parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The sample comprised 44 patients with primary head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used for histopathological tumor grading and for morphological analysis of adjacent non-tumor epithelium. Semiquantitative analysis was performed in histological sections immunostained for CD44 and ALDH1.

RESULTS:

ALDH1 immunostaining in the invasive front showed positive association with tumor size, regional metastasis, tumor histopathological grading, and disease progression. Moreover, expression of this marker in both tumor invasive front and adjacent non-tumor epithelium was related with more aggressive tumors. CD44 immunostaining was heterogeneous in all areas evaluated and did not show association with clinical data.

CONCLUSION:

Collectively, these data suggest that ALDH1 immunostaining in the invasive front and in adjacent non-tumor epithelium may help identify tumors with a more aggressive behavior, potentially contributing to improving treatment customization and the monitoring of patients with head and neck cancer.

• Authors: Laura C Hildebrand, Ana L Carvalho, Isabel S Lauxen, Jacques E Nör, Carlos T S Cerski, Manoel Sant'Ana Filho
• Journal: Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology (J Oral Pathol Med) Vol. 43 Issue 7 Pg. 499-506 (Aug 2014) ISSN: 1600-0714 [Electronic] Denmark
• PMID: 24527751 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers, Tumor
• CD44 protein, human
• Hyaluronan Receptors
• Isoenzymes
• Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family
• ALDH1A1 protein, human
• Retinal Dehydrogenase

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family
• Biomarkers, Tumor (analysis)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (pathology, secondary)
• Disease Progression
• Disease-Free Survival
• Epithelium (pathology)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (pathology)
• Humans
• Hyaluronan Receptors (analysis)
• Hyperplasia
• Isoenzymes (analysis)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mouth Neoplasms (pathology)
• Neoplasm Grading
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Neoplasm Staging
• Neoplastic Stem Cells (pathology)
• Precancerous Conditions (pathology)
• Retinal Dehydrogenase (analysis)
• Survival Rate
• Treatment Outcome