Possible role for chemokine receptor CCR7 mRNA expression in lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

9677 Background: Chemokine receptor-ligand interactions may play a role in the spread of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas to regional lymph nodes. Methods: In this work, we have analyzed the mRNA expression of chemokine receptors (CXCR1–5, CCR7 and CX3CR1), by Ribonuclease Protection Assay (Riboquant RPA system, Pharmingen), in fragments of primary tumor (T), normal adjacent mucosa (M) of 39 patients (pts) with operable HNSCC. These data and of 10 grossly compromised lymph nodes (LN) were correlated with clinical-pathological parameters. Results: Primary tumors, when compared to normal adjacent matched mucosa (n=37), showed higher CXCR4 mRNA expression (T: 0.216 ± 0.116 vs 0.139 ± 0.128:M, p=0.003, t-test paired). Considering all sites, we did not find differences between pN0 (n=16) vs pN+ (n=22) primary tumors. Compromised lymph nodes LN (n=10), as compared to matched primary tumors, expressed higher CCR7 mRNA densitometric values: (LN:0.054 ± 0.064 vs 0.007 ± 0.008:T, p = 0.044). Conclusions: Chemokine receptor CXCR4 mRNA expression was significantly higher in tumors, as compared to normal adjacent mucosa. In addition, chemokine receptor CCR7, presented higher mRNA expression in compromised LN as compared to matched primary tumors. We conclude that these receptors are, respectively, candidate markers of neoplastic transformation and spread to lymph nodes in HNSCC. Further studies are warranted in this area to confirm these results. No significant financial relationships to disclose.