TWIST AND E-CADHERIN EXPRESSION IN LOWER-LIP SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the expression of TWIST and E-cadherin in lower-lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC) and their association with clinical-pathologic parameters. Study Design A total of 59 LLSCC cases diagnosed were included in the present study. Histopathologic malignancy grading by Almagush et al. (2014) and immunohistochemical analyses followed a blind method. The collected data were submitted for statistical analysis. Results LLSCC in the early clinical stages exhibited higher median values for general (P = .035) and membrane E-cadherin expression (P = .022) compared to tumors classified in more advanced stages. Higher expression of E-cadherin (general and membrane) was observed in cases with disease-free survival after 5 years of follow-up (P < .05). Higher TWIST expression was observed in lesions classified at advanced stages displaying recurrence and a high degree of malignancy. A significant negative correlation was detected between TWIST cytoplasmic expression and E-cadherin membrane expression (P = .028). A statistically significant association between intermediate- and high-risk LLSCC cases with more advanced clinical stages (III and IV) for the histopathologic grading. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest the potential involvement of TWIST and E-cadherin in the modulation of events related to worse LLSCC prognoses. To evaluate the expression of TWIST and E-cadherin in lower-lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC) and their association with clinical-pathologic parameters. A total of 59 LLSCC cases diagnosed were included in the present study. Histopathologic malignancy grading by Almagush et al. (2014) and immunohistochemical analyses followed a blind method. The collected data were submitted for statistical analysis. LLSCC in the early clinical stages exhibited higher median values for general (P = .035) and membrane E-cadherin expression (P = .022) compared to tumors classified in more advanced stages. Higher expression of E-cadherin (general and membrane) was observed in cases with disease-free survival after 5 years of follow-up (P < .05). Higher TWIST expression was observed in lesions classified at advanced stages displaying recurrence and a high degree of malignancy. A significant negative correlation was detected between TWIST cytoplasmic expression and E-cadherin membrane expression (P = .028). A statistically significant association between intermediate- and high-risk LLSCC cases with more advanced clinical stages (III and IV) for the histopathologic grading. The results of the present study suggest the potential involvement of TWIST and E-cadherin in the modulation of events related to worse LLSCC prognoses.