Prognostic significance of CXCR-4 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the prognostic significance of CXC chemokine receptor CXCR-4 expression in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its relationship with matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and Ki-67 expression.

STUDY DESIGN

The CXCR-4, MMP-2, MMP-9, and Ki-67 expression was assessed immunohistochemically in 74 OSCC patients. The results were analyzed in connection with clinicopathologic factors.

RESULTS

The CXCR-4 expression was positive in 45 cases and significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = .037), MMP-9 expression (P = .025), and Ki-67 expression (P = .001). Univariate analysis showed that CXCR-4 expression, MMP-9 expression, Ki-67 expression, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, and recurrence positively correlated with prognosis. Multivariate analysis indicated that CXCR-4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in patients with OSCC.

CONCLUSION

Expression of CXCR-4 is a significant prognostic indicator for poor survival in patients with OSCC and correlates with expression of MMP-9 and Ki-67. The inhibition of CXCR-4 represents a possible molecular approach to the treatment of OSCC.