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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Accuracy of microRNAs as markers for the detection of neck lymph node metastases in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

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Author(s):
de Carvalho, Ana Carolina [1, 2] ; Scapulatempo-Neto, Cristovam [3] ; Campelo Maia, Danielle Calheiros [2] ; Evangelista, Adriane Feijo [1] ; Morini, Mariana Andozia [3] ; Carvalho, Andre Lopes [4] ; Vettore, Andre Luiz [2, 5]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Barretos Canc Hosp, Mol Oncol Res Ctr, BR-14784400 Barretos, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biol Sci, Lab Canc Mol Biol, BR-04039032 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[3] Barretos Canc Hosp, Dept Pathol, BR-14784400 Barretos, SP - Brazil
[4] Barretos Canc Hosp, Dept Head & Neck Surg, BR-14784400 Barretos, SP - Brazil
[5] Duke NUS Grad Med Sch, Canc Stem Cell Biol Program, Singapore 169857 - Singapore
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: BMC MEDICINE; v. 13, MAY 9 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 13
Abstract

Background: The presence of metastatic disease in cervical lymph nodes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients is a very important determinant in therapy choice and prognosis, with great impact in overall survival. Frequently, routine lymph node staging cannot detect occult metastases and the post-surgical histologic evaluation of resected lymph nodes is not sensitive in detecting small metastatic deposits. Molecular markers based on tissue-specific microRNA expression are alternative accurate diagnostic markers. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility of using the expression of microRNAs to detect metastatic cells in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lymph nodes and in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of HNSCC patients. Methods: An initial screening compared the expression of 667 microRNAs in a discovery set comprised by metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes from HNSCC patients. The most differentially expressed microRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR in two independent cohorts: i) 48 FFPE lymph node samples, and ii) 113 FNA lymph node biopsies. The accuracy of the markers in identifying metastatic samples was assessed through the analysis of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and area under the curve values. Results: Seven microRNAs highly expressed in metastatic lymph nodes from the discovery set were validated in FFPE lymph node samples. MiR-203 and miR-205 identified all metastatic samples, regardless of the size of the metastatic deposit. Additionally, these markers also showed high accuracy when FNA samples were examined. Conclusions: The high accuracy of miR-203 and miR-205 warrant these microRNAs as diagnostic markers of neck metastases in HNSCC. These can be evaluated in entire lymph nodes and in FNA biopsies collected at different time-points such as pre-treatment samples, intraoperative sentinel node biopsy, and during patient follow-up. These markers can be useful in a clinical setting in the management of HNSCC patients from initial disease staging and therapy planning to patient surveillance. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/14837-7 - Evaluation of the expression profile of microRNAs as diagnostic markers for cervical metastasis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Grantee:André Lopes Carvalho
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants