MMP2 as an independent prognostic stratifier in oral cavity cancers
Caroline Hoffmann, Sophie Vacher, Philémon Sirven, Charlotte Lecerf, Lucile Massenet, Aurélie Moreira, Aurore Surun, Anne Schnitzler, Jerzy Klijanienko, Odette Mariani, Emmanuelle Jeannot, Nathalie Badois, Maria Lesnik, O. Choussy, Christophe Le Tourneau, Maude Guillot‐Delost, Maud Kamal, Ivan Bièche, Vassili Soumelis
Abstract
Background: Around 25% of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) are not controlled by the standard of care, but there is currently no validated biomarker to identify those patients. Our objective was to determine a robust biomarker for severe OCSCC, using a biology-driven strategy. Patients and methods: Tumor and juxtatumor secretome were analyzed in a prospective discovery cohort of 37 OCSCC treated by primary surgery. Independent biomarker validation was performed by RTqPCR in a retrospective cohort of 145 patients with similar clinical features. An 18-gene signature (18 G) predictive of the response to PD-1 blockade was evaluated in the same cohort. Results: lowENE-). The expression of 18 G was similar in the different prognostic groups, suggesting comparable responsiveness to anti-PD-1. Conclusion: High levels of MMP2 were an independent and validated prognostic biomarker, surpassing other molecules of a large panel of the tumor and immune-related processes, which may be used to select poor prognosis patients for intensified neoadjuvant or adjuvant regimens.