Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Lately SOX2 and SOX9, transcription factors associated with stemness‐like phenotypes of cancer cells, have been linked to tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Methods This study aimed on evaluating the expression of SOX2 and SOX9 in a large cohort of patients with OSCC including primary and recurrent tumors and corresponding lymph node metastases. Semiautomatic digital pathology scoring was used to determine protein expression and survival analysis was performed to evaluate its prognostic significance. Results We found a significant downregulation of SOX9 from primary disease to lymph node metastases (p < 0.001). SOX9 expression and the subgroup SOX2lowSOX9high were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (p < 0.05). Additionally, SOX2lowSOX9high expression pattern was confirmed as independent prognosticator for overall survival. Conclusions These results indicate the relevant role of SOX2 and SOX9 in patients with OSCC and show the clinical relevance for further investigation on the molecular mechanisms underlying SOX‐related gene expression.
Source: Head & Neck
DOI: 10.1002/hed.27925
Authors: Sonja Steen, Dominik Horn, Christa Flechtenmacher, Jürgen Hoffmann, Kolja Freier, Oliver Ristow, Jochen Hess, Julius Moratin
Language: English
Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,760
Funder: Universität Heidelberg
OpenAlex ID: W4401852880