Abstract
Background. We previously identified by flow cytometry a Lineage-CD44+ (Lin-CD44+) subpopulation of cells with cancer stem cell properties in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We now correlate clinical and histologic factors with Lin-CD44+ cell frequency. Methods. The study included 31 patients with HNSCC, of whom 87% had stage IV disease. The frequency of Lin-CD44+ cells and the success of xenografting patient tumors in mice were correlated with clinical and pathologic data. Results. The mean frequency of Lin-CD44+ cells was 25% (0.4%-81%). It was 36% in patients who had recurrence versus 15% for those without recurrence (p =.04). Successful xenograft implantation occurred in 53%. Seventy-five percent of patients with successful xenografts had recurrence versus 21% of patients with unsuccessful xenografts (p =.003). Conclusions Successful xenograft implantation and a high frequency of Lin-CD44+ cells correlate with known poor prognostic factors such as advanced T classification and recurrence. These findings may support the stem cell concept in HNSCC.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 42-49 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- CD44
- cancer
- head and neck
- squamous cell carcinoma
- stem cells
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology