ERp57 EXPRESSION IN LOCALLY ADVANCED LARYNGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA AND THEIR RELATION WITH CLINICOPATHOLOGIC PARAMETERS

Background Currently there are no predictive biomarkers that could help to guide therapeutic protocols for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). ERp57 has been recently associated with the aggressive biological behavior of some cancers. Objectives To explore ERp57 expression in advanced LSCC and assess whether there is a relationship with clinicopathologic parameters. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study (CMNO-IMSS R-2018-1301-47 and UdeG-CUCS CI-00819, institutional review board registers) of adult patients with LSCC, selected by a consecutive nonprobabilistic sampling. Twenty-five cases of stage III and IV LSCC from 2010 to 2016 were retrieved. Clinicopathologic data were collected (sex, age, laryngeal site, smoking history, and treatment modality). ERp57 immunohistochemistry was performed on histologic sections and the expression was subjectively evaluated by 3 specialists in an independent, calibrated, and blind manner. Results Ninety-four percent of cases were men, with an average age of 60 (standard deviation ±10 years). Transglottic extension was the most frequent presentation (80%), and 4, 14, and 7 cases were well, moderately, and poorly differentiated, respectively. Ten cases presented an intense/high smoking index. ERp57 was positive in 21 cases (12+, 5++, 4+++); however, no correlation was identified with clinical or pathological variables analyzed and ERp57 level expression (chi-square and Fisher exact tests). Conclusions Although no association could be identified in this study, there is evidence in the literature that supports ERp57 as a potential biomarker. The number of cases should be increased to either establish an accurate relationship or discount one.