Correlate the Expression of the Markers CD44 & Bmi-1 and the Existence of Cancer Stem Cells in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma


Abstract in English

Cancer stem cells in solid tumors are a "rare" group of cells and their role in carcinogenesis has been proven during the past few years. The pursuit for specific oral epithelial stem cell surface markers leads to the identification of markers such as CD44 and Bmi-1. The combination between CD44 which has been considered a potential prognostic marker for cancer stem cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), and Bmi-1 the pluripotency stemness marker may lead to identify the cells sharing the properties of both markers and could give a closer look into its appearance and density in the tissue. The aim of this study was to study the percent of cells stained positive for both markers and the histological grade of (HNSCC) and the anatomic location of the tumor. Statistical analysis showed that higher density of positive stained cells for both markers was in the severe grade of the tumor, whereas the second higher ratio was in the mild grade then the moderate , there was no significant association between the density of cells and the anatomical location. Our results suggest that the two markers together could be used as prognostic factors for patients with even mild grade SCC, which might help in prediction of recurrence.

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