The Correlation Between CD44 and Angiogenesis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Induced in Buccal Pouch in Syrian Hamster that Underwent Radiotherapy

Abstract

Background: Angiogenesis with radiotherapy is a significant focus of recent studies to confirm the importance of combined treatments, as vascular control can have a great therapeutic target. Vascular endothelial growth factor is the key mediator of angiogenesis in cancer. In addition, some studies suggest the value of CD44 as a potential early marker of angiogenesis. Objectives: Investigating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD44 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) after inducing it in hamsters then undergoing radiotherapy and comparing outcomes before and after therapy to verify changes of these markers. Materials & methods: an experimental study consisted of 18 samples of OSCC which induced in right buccal pouch of hamsters (group1) and 18 samples of OSCC which induced in the same way and were exposed to radiation therapy (group2), Biopsies were taken and fixed with formalin, paraffin waxed in conventional H&E and immunostained with monoclonal anti-VEGF and anti-CD44. Results: our findings didn’t reveal a statistically significant difference in the expression of VEGF(p =0.342) and CD44 (p=0.187) between group1 & group 2. moreover, we found tumor cells which weren’t affected and resistant to radiotherapy, also revealed positive expression of VEGF & CD44, otherwise, we noticed Pearson coefficient was a significant correlation that indicated to a moderate relation. Conclusion: cancerous cells that showed a high expression of these markers, give elevated radiosensitivity and resist the treatment. Subsequently, we assure the importance of applying anti-VEGF and/or anti-CD44 as a supportive therapy with radiation therapy.

Emerging histological and serological biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Applications in diagnosis, prognosis evaluation and personalized therapeutics (Review)

“…In addition, tumour cells that were resistant to radiotherapy showed positive expression of VEGF. These findings suggest that VEGF expression may be associated with radioresistance in OSCC ( 74 ). In conclusion, VEGF has a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of OSCC.…”

“…Furthermore, Alsafadi and Manadili ( 74 ) investigated the expression of VEGF in OSCC after inducing it in hamsters and subjecting them to radiotherapy. The results showed that VEGF expression was not significantly different between the group that received radiotherapy and the group that did not.…”

Panoramic view of key cross-talks underpinning the oral squamous cell carcinoma stemness - unearthing the future opportunities

“…The relationship between these two markers could also pave a path towards the possible mechanism dictating this radioresistance. Hence, combining VEGF or CD44 inhibitors with RT would be an acceptable option for achieving a better treatment outcome ( 157 ).…”