High expression of MLANA in the plasma of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as a predictor of tumor progression

Abstract

Background There is a paucity of plasma‐based biomarkers that predict outcome in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Here, we evaluate the prognostic potential of plasma Melanoma‐Antigen Recognized by T‐cells 1 (MLANA) in this setting. Methods MLANA expression in HNSCC lines were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, whereas plasma levels were quantified using ELISA in 48 patients with locally advanced HNSCC undergoing a phase 2 trial with CRT. Results MLANA is expressed at variable levels in a panel of HNSCC lines. In plasma, levels were elevated in patients with tumor relapse compared to those without (P < .004); 73.9% of the patients expressing high plasma MLANA levels progressed with recurrent disease (P = .020). Multivariate analysis showed that plasma MLANA levels and tumor resectability were independent prognostic factors for progression free survival. Conclusion Plasma MLANA expression appears to be an effective noninvasive biomarker for outcomes in patients treated with CRT, and could potentially guide therapeutic decisions in this context.

Current and Future Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…Plasma-based diagnostic markers have also grown to become an area of emphasis, as this would function as a virtually non-invasive means of diagnosis or treatment monitoring of HNSCC [ 93 ]. Plasma Melanoma-Antigen (MLANA) recognized by T-cells has been identified as an effective plasma-based biomarker in monitoring HNSCC patients undergoing chemoradiation therapy [ 94 ]. Investigation of extracellular vesicles, exosomes, containing potential biomarkers has indicated the potential to guide future therapies and establish more sensitive monitoring of existing therapies [ 95 ].…”