Low PD-L1 expression, MAP2K2 alterations, and enriched HPV gene signatures characterize brain metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Brain metastasis (BM) is a rare but severe complication of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), with limited knowledge of molecular characteristics and immunogenicity.

Methods

We analyzed 61 cases of HNSCC-BM from three academic institutions (n = 24) and Foundation Medicine Inc (FMI, n = 37). A subset of cases underwent next-generation sequencing, multiple immunofluorescence, and proximity ligation sequencing. Gene enrichment analysis compared alterations in FMI BM samples (n = 37) with local samples (n = 4082).

Results

Demographics included: median age of 59 years, 75% male, 55% current/former smokers, 75% oropharyngeal primary, and 67% human papillomavirus (HPV) +. ATM (54%), KMT2A (54%), PTEN (46%), RB1 (46%), and TP53 (46%) were frequently alt

SUBMITTER: Dennis MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11515687 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature