High endothelial venules are present in pharyngeal and laryngeal carcinomas and they are associated with better prognosis

Abstract

Background: Tumors lymphocytic infiltration has prognostic and predictive value. However, the mechanisms involved in lymphocyte recruitment remain poorly characterized. High endothelial venules (HEV) are blood vessels specialized in lymphocyte recruitment, recently showing prognostic significance in some types of cancer. Their implications in laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer is largely unknown.

Aim of the study: To investigate the possible presence of HEVs in head and neck cancer.

Material and methods: Oropharyngeal (n = 61), hypopharyngeal (n = 53) and laryngeal (n = 21) squamous cell carcinomas were immunohistochemically studied with the MECA-79 antibody, which specifically recognizes HEVs. Histological and clinical factors were correlated with HEVs' presence.

Results: HEVs were present in 34% of tumors, showing significant correlations with oropharyngeal localization, higher lymphocytic response, lower tumor budding, lower T status, absence of distant metastases and better overall and progression-free survival.

Conclusion: HEVs represent an important prognostic factor in head and neck cancer.

Keywords: HEV; MECA-79; Microenvironment; Squamous cell carcinoma; Stroma; Tertiary lymphoid; Tumor budding.