Abstract
Engulfment and cell motility 3 protein (ELMO3) is a protein that is involved in cell migration and promotes the remodeling of the cytoskeleton. Moreover, it is described as a prognostic marker in several cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate ELMO3 expression in patients with minor salivary gland carcinoma. The expression of ELMO3 was examined by immunohistochemistry. The intensity of staining was evaluated and data was correlated to clinical outcome. Forty-six patients with complete clinical data were included into statistical analysis. ELMO3 expression was observed in 85% of the cases. High staining intensity of ELMO3 correlated with a significantly worse disease free survival (p = .0495) and a higher recurrence rate (p = .0071). In conclusion, it is still difficult to predict the clinical outcome of patients with minor salivary gland carcinoma. Evaluation of ELMO3 might serve as a clinical prognostic marker in future.
Highlights
Minor salivary gland carcinomas are rare and derive from minor salivary glands located in the sinonasal cavities, oropharynx, larynx and trachea with the majority being found in the oral cavity [1]
Forty-six patients with complete medical data were stained for Engulfment and cell motility 3 protein (ELMO3) expression
Minor salivary gland carcinoma is a rare tumor and little is known about the underlying molecular biologic processes in this type of cancer
Summary
Minor salivary gland carcinomas are rare and derive from minor salivary glands located in the sinonasal cavities, oropharynx, larynx and trachea with the majority being found in the oral cavity [1]. The WHO (world health organization) classification currently describes about 24 different malignant epithelial tumors of the salivary glands, each with different biological behavior [2]. Due to the rarity and heterogeneity of this malignant disease, it is difficult to predict the clinical outcome of patients with minor salivary gland carcinomas. Clinical prognostic factors include tumor size, grade, surgical margins and lymph node status [6, 7]. To improve treatment outcomes a better understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in tumor biology is needed. This implies to establish diagnostic, prognostic and predictive markers that could potentially be targeted therapeutically as well [8]
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