Immunohistochemical Analysis of Common Cancer Antigens in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background/aim: The prognosis of recurring and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poor. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have expanded the treatment options for HNSCC, the response rates are low. Alternatively, cancer vaccines and T-cell therapies are being developed. Identification of useful common cancer antigens and confirmation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression are required.

Materials and methods: Immunohistochemistry analyses were performed for 10 antigens (FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, HSP105α, WT1, AFP, GPC3, PP-RP, KIF20A, KM-HN-1) and HLA class I using specimens of 56 surgical cases. Staining intensity, percentage of stain-positive areas, and localization of staining in the tumor cells and normal tissue were evaluated.

Results: Staining of FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, and HSP105α was more predominant in tumor cells than that in normal cells. The expression rates of these antigens in tumor cells were 60.7%, 58.9%, 73.2%, and 50.0%, respectively. Regarding sites, the expression rates of these antigens in oral cancer were high at 57.1%, 71.4%, 81.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of HLA class I was 83.9% in all cases. Of these, 68.1% showed expression on the plasma membrane.

Conclusion: FOXM1, TGFBI, SPARC, and HSP105α could be useful common cancer antigens, and HLA class I is expressed on the plasma membrane of cancer cells in many cases. The results suggest that cancer vaccines and T-cell therapy may be clinically viable options for HNSCC treatment.