Expression and phosphorylation of Stathmin 1 indicate poor survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and associate with immune suppression

Aim: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Stathmin 1 and Serine 38 phospho-Stathmin 1 (p-Stathmin 1(S38)) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and research its correlation with clinical parameters, survival and expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Results: Stathmin 1 and p-Stathmin 1(S38) overexpression in primary HNSCC is associated with poor overall survival. Stathmin 1 expression is related to tumor size, category and lymph node status. Stathmin 1 expression correlates with PD-L1, TIM3, VISTA, B7-H3, B7-H4, LAG-3 and p-STAT3 expression in HNSCC. P-Stathmin 1(S38) expression correlates with PD-L1, VISTA, B7-H4, LAG-3 and p-STAT3 in HNSCC. Conclusion: We found expression of Stathmin 1 and p-Stathmin 1(S38) indicates poor survival in HNSCC and may be associated with immune suppression.