DNA content analysis of different histological subtypes and epidemiological groups of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and their association to the tumor microenvironment

• Grant number: 23/14770-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Pathological Anatomy and Clinical Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda Viviane Mariano Brum Corrêa
• Grantee: Moisés Willian Aparecido Gonçalves
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent malignant tumor in the head and neck region (HNSCC). Besides HNSCC described in the literature as conventional (males, smokers and alcoholics, aged above the fifth decade of life), 4 other emerging groups in young and elderly patients are reported: (1) patients aged less than or equal to 45 years, males, oral cavity tumors, smokers and alcoholics, HPV-independent; (2) patients aged less than or equal to 45 years, males, oropharyngeal tumors, non-smokers and non-alcoholics, HPV-associated; (3) patients aged less than or equal to 45 years, oral cavity tumors, mostly women, non-smokers and non-alcoholics, HPV-independent, and (4) patients aged greater than or equal to 70 years, mostly women, oral cavity tumors, non-smokers and non-alcoholics, HPV-independent. In addition, HNSCC has different histological subtypes. DNA content analysis as a complement to pathological studies may contribute in decreasing the subjective component of the evaluation of head and neck cancers. Combining histopathological classification of HNSCC with DNA content has clinical utility that can be used to develop new prognostic algorithms, along with studying the tumor microenvironment through CD68, CD11b, CD163, CD206, CD3, CD4, CD8, FOXP3, CD103 e PD-1/PD-L1 expression in these emerging patient groups. Based on these aspects, this study aims to analyze the DNA content and tumor microenvironment in different groups of HNSCC patients. To carry out this project, 80 cases of CECP will be selected, consisting of negative and/or positive surgical margins and tumors, from different histological subtypes and epidemiological groups. DNA content analysis will be performed using high-resolution flow cytometry, while the tumor microenvironment will be assessed through immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence. We hope that our findings will provide new insights into the diagnosis, prognosis, and tumor-targeted therapy, and that they will reflect on instruments for clinical application and benefit of future patients affected with HNSCC.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

GONCALVESA, MOISES WILLIAN APARECIDO; FERREIRAA, IARA VIEIRA; RIBEIRO-DE-ASSISA, MARIA CLARA FALCAO; CHONEC, CARLOS TAKAHIRO; GONCALVESA, NATALIA VITAL; ALTEMANIA, ALBINA; MARIANOA, FERNANDA VIVIANE. Microscopic findings in oral squamous cell carcinoma with cystic spaces and clear cells mimicking mucoepidermoid carcinoma: A detailed case report. Oral Oncology, v. 163, p. 4-pg., 2025-02-28. (23/14770-4)