Expression of CXADR and CD46 in oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPSCC)

Introduction The adenovirus receptors, Cocksackie Adenovirus Receptor (CXADR) and Cluster of Differentiation 46 (CD46), have been studied in various malignancies. The state of research regarding expression and prognostic significance in OPSCC is still insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and prognostic significance using an OPSCC collective in order to gain knowledge to improve adenoviral oncotherapy in OPSCC, which is currently mostly based on serotype 5, through the use of alternative adenoviruses.

Material and methods Fifty-six patients with OPSCC were included in the study. Among them, 19 were p16-positive OPSCC. The tissue samples studied were obtained during tumor biopsy or tumor resection. Expression of adenovirus receptors and p16INK4a status was detected by immunohistochemical staining.

Results CXADR expression was detected in 43.5% and CD46 expression in 64.3%. The 5-year survival for all patients was 53.6%. A 5-year relapse-free survival was seen in 55.4% of patients. Advanced tumor stage significantly correlated with a high CXADR expression score (p=0.023). In addition, detection of p16INK4a in oropharyngeal carcinomas correlated with a high CXADR expression score (p=0.009). No correlation was found regarding CD46 expression and no prognostic significance for 5-year overall or recurrence-free survival.

Discussion Adenoviruses infecting cells via CD46 seem to show a slightly better potential for optimizing adenoviral vector therapy in OPSCC. However, CXADR is increasingly expressed in p16-positive carcinomas, so adenoviruses that infect via CXADR may also be candidates for therapy optimization. Further studies are now being conducted in this regard. No evidence of prognostic significance was found.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023