The FSHR Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer. A Pilot Immunohistochemical Study

Abstract

Background/aim: Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHr), expressed on endothelial cells of vessels in different malignant tumors, has been recently investigated as a potential pan-receptor of cancer treatment. However, the expression of this receptor has also been confirmed in other tissues under pathological conditions including cancer. The aim of the presented pilot study was to evaluate the expression of FSHr in head and neck squamous cancer (HNSCC).

Patients and methods: A total of 28 HNSCC patient samples were immunohistochemically analyzed for the presence of FSHr using a commercially available primary antibody.

Results: FSHr was detected not only in the tumor tissue, but also in the basal layer or dysplastic parts of squamous mucosa and also in fibroblasts surrounding the tumor tissue.

Conclusion: FSHr is present on different benign or malignant mesenchymal and epithelial structures in HNSCC. A brief literature review revealed a wider role of FSHr in the development of neoplasia.

Keywords: FSHr; HNSCC; histopathology; immunohistochemistry; neoangiogenesis.