Laryngeal carcinoma lymph node metastasis and disease-free survival correlate with MASPIN nuclear expression but not with EGFR expression: a series of 108 cases

Despite advances in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) treatment, patient survival has not improved in the last two decades. Novel, more effective strategies should be based on receptor-mediated LSCC-targeted therapy. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most widely studied molecular target. MASPIN multifaceted anti-tumor effects have been rarely evaluated in LSCC. The aims of this study were to investigate EGFR and MASPIN expression and the role of sub-cellular MASPIN localization in LSSC. MASPIN and EGFR expression and the sub-cellular localization of MASPIN were assessed using a computerized image analysis system in 108 consecutive cases of operable LSCC. The rates of occurrence of lymph node metastases and recurrent disease were lower in patients with a nuclear pattern of MASPIN expression (p = 0.004, p = 0.0028). As expected, the loco-regional recurrence rate was lower in N0 patients (p = 0.009), but the disease recurrence rate was even lower in N0 patients with a nuclear localization of MASPIN (p = 0.020). Disease-free survival was longer in cases of LSCC with a nuclear MASPIN pattern (p = 0.003). The intensity of EGFR reactivity and the EGFR area fraction were unrelated to the clinico-pathological and prognostic parameters in LSCC. A nuclear MASPIN pattern is a promising prognostic indicator in LSCC, but further evidence is needed before elective neck dissection can be considered for cN0 LSCCs with a non-nuclear MASPIN pattern. Although a better understanding of the mechanisms behind sub-cellular MASPIN localization is mandatory, re-activating nuclear MASPIN in association with specific chemotherapeutic agents may be an important goal in the treatment of LSCC.