Data from Spatial and Transcriptomic Analysis of Perineural Invasion in Oral Cancer

• DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.c.6532284.v1
• Publication Date: 2023-04-01T02:48:01Z
• Authors: Ligia B. Schmitd; Cindy Perez-Pacheco; Emily L. Bellile; Weisheng Wu; Keith Casper; Michelle Mierzwa; Laura S. Rozek; Gregory T. Wolf; Jeremy M.G. Taylor; Nisha J. D'Silva
• Keywords: Perineural invasion; Lymphovascular invasion

<div>AbstractPurpose:<p>Perineural invasion (PNI), a common occurrence in oral squamous cell carcinomas, is associated with poor survival. Consequently, these tumors are treated aggressively. However, diagnostic criteria of PNI vary and its role as an independent predictor prognosis has not been established. To address knowledge gaps, we investigated spatial transcriptomic profiles PNI-positive PNI-negative nerves.</p>Experimental Design:<p>Tissue sections from 142 patients were stained S100 cytokeratin antibodies. Nerves identified two distinct areas: tumor bulk margin. Nerve diameter nerve-to-tumor distance assessed; survival analyses performed. Spatial analysis nerves at varying distances was performed NanoString GeoMx Digital Profiler Transcriptomic Atlas.</p>Results:<p>PNI among metastasis-free lymph nodes. Patients close nerve-tumor have outcomes even if diagnosed negative using current criteria. large nerve(s) the survive poorly, suggesting that facilitate progression. Diagnostic supported by >18,000 genes; proximity to cancer exhibit stress growth response changes diminish increasing distance. These findings validated <i>in vitro</i> human tissue.</p>Conclusions:<p>This first study high-throughput gene expression striking correlations between profile clinical outcomes. Our work illuminates nerve-cancer interactions cancer-induced injury modulates neuritogenesis, supports reclassification based on rather than subjective criteria.</p></div>