The prognostic value of actin-binding proteins fascin and ezrin in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Rationale: During neoplastic transformation, epithelial cells become mobile, which is one of the main mechanisms of metastatic disease and recurrence. Cell motility is regulated by actin-binding proteins, which ensure the association/dissociation of actin filaments and their interaction with the cell membrane. Previously, we have shown the presence of actin-binding proteins in the serum from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC); however, their association with the development of metastases and relapses in cancer patients has not been sufficiently studied. Aim: To evaluate the serum levels of actin-binding proteins fascin-1 and ezrin in patients with HNSCC depending on the disease recurrence and lymphatic metastasis. Materials and methods: Serum fascin-1 and ezrin levels before combination therapy were measured with ELISA assay in 30 HNSCC (T1-4N0-2M0) patients (mean age 56 7 years). Results: The median fascin-1 level was significantly higher in the patients with lymphatic metastases, compared to those without metastases: 0.64 (0.40; 5.89) vs 6.35 (1.72; 8.35) ng/mL, respectively (p 0.001). At 12 to 36 months after combination therapy, the disease relapsed in 12 (40%) patients. Ezrin levels were significantly higher in the relapsed patients, compared to those without a relapse within 3 years after combination therapy: 2.55 (2.35; 2.75) vs 1.93 (1.87; 2.5) ng/mL (p = 0.02). The ROC analysis showed an association between fascin-1 serum levels with metastatic disease (AUC = 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.570.85) and an association between ezrin levels and the disease relapse (AUC = 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.570.94). Conclusion: These indicators can be used for the development of minimally invasive early detection of metastases in lymphatic nodes and for the prognosis of HNSCC recurrence.