Refining Risk Stratification in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Role of Tumor Budding and Worst Pattern of Invasion.
Abstract
Background
The aims of this study are: to assess the association of tumor budding (TB) and worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) with other clinical and histopathological prognostic factors of oral tongue and floor squamous cell carcinoma (OTFSSC), to evaluate their impact on survival outcomes and to assess whether they can be considered independent prognostic factors with respect to pathological depth of invasion (pDOI).
Methods
A retrospective multicenter study was conducted on patients who underwent compartmental surgery for locally advanced OTFSCC.
Results
A total of 134 patients were enrolled in the study. WPOI was found to be an independent negative prognostic factor for the risk of N+ at diagnosis. Patients with infiltrative WPOI presented a statistically significant increased risk of recurrence and loco-regional recurrence.
Conclusions
TB and WPOI are promising prognostic markers in the therapeutic management of OTFSCC, potentially guiding possible treatment intensification.