Utility of CD44/CD24 in the Outcome and Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are characterized by their capacity for self-renewal and differentiation. CD44 and CD24 are two commonly used markers to identify these CSCs. Despite the enormous amount of data available in the literature, their specificity and coexistence remain elusive in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the present review, we aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of the CD44/CD24 combination in tumor development and metastasis in OSCC. Two investigators independently performed a systematic search to identify all the relevant studies from various electronic databases. Out of 694 articles, 9 were found eligible for further evaluation. Details including the number of patients, gender, site, tobacco and alcohol consumption, histological stage, CD24 expression, CD44 expression, CD44/CD24 expression, nodal status, disease-free survival, and overall survival were extracted. CD44+CD24- expression was noted in 35/207 (16.9%) cases, CD44+CD24+ in 53/207 (25.6%) cases, CD44-CD24- in 49/207 subjects (23.67%), and CD44-/CD24+ in 70/207 (33.81%) cases. CD44 or CD24 or their co-expression did not correlate with the disease-free survival rate, and double negatives (CD44-/CD24-) demonstrated a higher overall survival than other immunotypes. CD44/CD24 profile may be used on small incisional biopsies to predict the outcome and treatment planning. This finding may help in developing new therapeutic targets to suppress cancer metastasis and provide a better long-term prognosis for patients diagnosed with OSCC.

Comparison of Broder’s and Bryne’s Grading System for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Lymph Node Metastases and Prognosis: A Scoping Review

“…This has been supported by the fact that the tumor cells lose immunoexpression of plakoglobin and e-cadherin and begin to express mesenchymal markers such as fibronectin, vimentin, and smooth muscle actin [27]. EMT also supports the malignant tumor cells to escape anoikis, survive in circulation, and, finally, distant metastases [17].…”

“…OSCC is the most common oral malignant neoplasm with poor patient outcomes [3,17,18]. In recent years, numerous attempts have been made in terms of theragnostics, but unfortunately, the five-year survival of this disease has not improved and severely cripples the patient's esthetic and overall quality of life [19][20][21].…”