The predictive value of dendritic cells in early squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dendritic cell density in early squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue and patients' clinical outcome. Methods: Representative samples of low-risk SCC of the tongue (T1-2,N0,M0) from a homogeneous group of 18 patients following local complete excision and elective selective neck dissection, were immunostained with antibodies against 5100 and CD1a. Dendritic cell density was analyzed by outcome. Results: Mean dendritic cell densities were 17 cells/HPF for tumoral 5100 and CD1a counts, and 10 cells/HPF for peritumoral 5100 and CD1a counts. Better disease-free survival was associated with low peritumoral S100- and CD1a- positive cell counts (p = 0.006 and p = 0.004, respectively), and with low tumoral S100- and CD1a- positive cell counts (p = 0.037 and p = 0.04, respectively). Lymphocytic response was decreased in tumors with high dendritic cell density (p = NS). There was no association of dendritic cell density with patient age, tumor size and depth of invasion. Conclusions: These results may suggest an association between dendritic cell accumulation and functional immunologic impairment. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.