Comparison of PD-L1 expression in squamous cell cancer of unknown primary and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose The tumorigenesis of squamous cell cancer of unknown primary (SCCUP) in the head and neck area has not been decoded so far, while poor survival rates and limited therapeutic options pose a serious challenge. The aim of this project was to investigate immunological characteristics of SCCUPs a...

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Published in:European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology 2023-04, Vol.280 (4), p.1991-1997
Main Authors: Schmidl, Benedikt, Voßenkämper, Kim-Aylin, Stark, Leonhard, Boxberg, Melanie, Stögbauer, Fabian, Feigl, Katharina, Winter, Christof, Pickhard, Anja, Wollenberg, Barbara, Wirth, Markus
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
B7-H1 Antigen - metabolism
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology
Head and Neck
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Head and Neck Surgery
Humans
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Neoplasms, Unknown Primary
Neurosurgery
Oropharyngeal Neoplasms - pathology
Otorhinolaryngology
Papillomavirus Infections - complications
Prognosis
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
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Summary:Purpose The tumorigenesis of squamous cell cancer of unknown primary (SCCUP) in the head and neck area has not been decoded so far, while poor survival rates and limited therapeutic options pose a serious challenge. The aim of this project was to investigate immunological characteristics of SCCUPs and compare them to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods PD-L1 expression (TC) was examined by immunohistochemistry in 50 lymph node metastases of SCCUP and 47 primaries of OPSCC. CD3 + and CD8 + lymphocytic infiltration was measured in 5 high power fields. Expression of p16 and HPV ISH were assessed. Results SCCUP demonstrated a significantly higher expression of PD-L1 than OPSCC. In p16-negative SCCUPs PD-L1 proved to be an independent prognostic factor to prioritize high-risk patients. Conclusions Immunologic differences between SCCUP and OPSCC were detected. A higher PD-L1 expression in SCCUP could potentially facilitate further evaluation of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
ISSN:0937-4477
1434-4726
DOI:10.1007/s00405-022-07775-z