Expression of PD-L1 is HPV/P16-independent in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Issue 10 (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kitichotkul, Kit; Lertprasertsuke, Nirush; Kintarak, Sompid; Pongsiriwet, Surawut; Powcharoen, Warit; Iamaroon, Anak
• Is Part Of: Heliyon. Volume 8:Issue 10(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Human papillomavirus -- Oral squamous cell carcinoma -- PD-L1 -- p16; Research -- Periodicals; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; 507.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8440

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its associations with human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 DNA status, p16 expression, demographic, clinicopathologic and risk parameters in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Study design: A total of 85 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded OSCC specimens were collected. HPV16/18 DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction. PD-L1 and p16 expressions were assessed using immunohistochemical technique. The immunostaining scores were calculated by combined positive score (CPS), previously described. The positive scoring value was determined at CPS ≥1, recommended by FDA. The associations between PD-L1 expression and HPV16/18 DNA status, p16 expression, demographic, clinicopathologic, and risk parameters were analyzed by Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: PD-L1 expression was detected in 22 out of 85 cases of OSCC (25.9%). 16.5% of all cases were HPV 16/18-positive and 62.4% were p16-positive. Statistically, there were no significant associations between PD-L1 expression in OSCC and HPV16/18 DNA status, p16 expression, demographic and, clinicopathologic parameters or risk behaviors. Conclusion: Approximately one-fourth of OSCC cases were PD-L1-positive, suggesting candidacy for anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. Furthermore, HPV infection and p16 expression were not involved with PD-L1 expression. Further clinical trials warrant the benefits of immunotherapy in patients with PD-L1-positive OSCC. Abstract : Human papillomavirus; Oral squamous cell carcinoma; PD-L1; p16.