Does high PD-L1 expression reduce the risk of relapse after definitive surgery in patients with oral cavity cancer?

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Babayev P., Ismayilov R., Kuscu O., Akyildiz A., Kurtulan O., Pamuk A. E., ...More

ACTA OTO-LARYNGOLOGICA, vol.1, no.1, pp.1-6, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 1 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00016489.2025.2489645
  • Journal Name: ACTA OTO-LARYNGOLOGICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EMBASE, Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-6
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background 

Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis is crucial for improving survival outcomes.

Aims 

This study investigates the impact of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on the risk of progression in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and methods 

The retrospective study included adult patients diagnosed with OSCC between January 2012 and December 2023. PD-L1 expression in tissue removed by definitive surgery was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and tumor proportion score (TPS) and combined positive score (CPS) were calculated. Survival analyses were performed to assess its prognostic implications.

Results 

Among the 96 patients, TPS and CPS were 20% or above in 52 (54.2%) and 65 (67.7%) cases, respectively. TPS ≥20% was associated with mucosal lip location, earlier disease stage, and decreased risk of progression. The multivariate Cox regression model revealed that stage III/IV disease (HR: 2.176, 95%CI: 1.085–4.376, p = .029) and TPS ≥20% (HR: 0.241, 95%CI: 0.066–0.879, p = .031) were independent risk factors for progression-free survival.

Conclusions 

The study revealed that increased tumoral PD-L1 expression may reduce the risk of progression in patients with OSCC.

Significance 

These findings underscore the potential prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in OSCC following surgical resection.