The predictive value of dendritic cells in early squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dendritic cell density in early squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue and patients’ clinical outcome. Methods Representative samples of low-risk SCC of the tongue (T1-2,N0,M0) from a homogeneous group of 18 patients following local complete excision and elective selective neck dissection, were immunostained with antibodies against S100 and CD1a. Dendritic cell density was analyzed by outcome. Results Mean dendritic cell densities were 17 cells/HPF for tumoral S100 and CD1a counts, and 10 cells/HPF for peritumoral S100 and CD1a counts. Better disease-free survival was associated with low peritumoral S100- and CD1a- positive cell counts (p = 0.006 and p = 0.004, respectively), and with low tumoral S100- and CD1a- positive cell counts (p = 0.037 and p = 0.04, respectively). Lymphocytic response was decreased in tumors with high dendritic cell density (p = NS). There was no association of dendritic cell density with patient age, tumor size and depth of invasion. Conclusions These results may suggest an association between dendritic cell accumulation and functional immunologic impairment.