Biomarkers and Prognostic Stratification of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity in Young Adults: how to personalize therapeutic management?

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the oral cavity in young adults represent a heterogeneous entity. New prognostic biomarkers are described in the literature. The aim was to identify emerging biomarkers and prognostic stratification factors of young population. Clinical, biological, microbiological, histopathological, and molecular markers statistically associated with overall and disease-free survival (OS) and validated in literature. Young adults < 40 years who were non-smokers showed a marginally worse prognosis, while age < 30 years was unfavorable compared to > 30 years. High rate of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with decreased 5-year disease-specific survival, PDL1 expression correlated with improved OS and recurrence-free survival, presence of Fusobacterium, Mutations in p53, Cyclin D1, and VEGF was associated with reduced OS. Combining these markers in young adult oral cavity SCCs should be used to adapt the intensification of therapy in addition to the TNM classification and minor histo-prognostic factors.