EVALUATION of Glut1 as a Progression Biomarker
tumor and Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Name: PAMELA RIBEIRO DA SILVA
Type: MSc dissertation
Publication date: 17/12/2020
Advisor:

Namesort descending Role
SANDRA LÚCIA VENTORIN VON ZEIDLER Advisor *

Examining board:

Namesort descending Role
FLAVIA DE PAULA (M/D) Internal Examiner *
SANDRA LÚCIA VENTORIN VON ZEIDLER Advisor *

Summary: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide,
with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma being the main among these. The literature
has suggested GLUT1 as a possible biomarker of tumor progression and prognosis,
since this protein is overexpressed in several types of cancer. This study aimed to
evaluate GLUT1 as a potential biomarker of tumor progression and prognosis in
OSCC. In this study, clinical data and biological samples from 118 individuals with
oral squamous cell carcinoma were used. Tissue Microarrays were constructed to
perform an immunohistochemical analysis of GLUT1 protein expression using the
primary anti-GLUT1 mouse monoclonal antibody. To evaluate a gene expression of
GLUT1, RT-qPCR technique was performed. The comparison of GLUT1
immunostaining between the different regions studied was done in pairs, using the
Wilcoxon test. Associations between the studied variables were made using the Chi-
Square and Fisher's Exact tests. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-
Meier model and confirmed by Cox regression. Our results showed a correlation
between the expression of GLUT1 and the individual's gender (p = 0.023). A
statistically significant difference was observed between scores averages of the
analyzed segments. Overall survival was correlated with tumor size (p = 0.043),
clinical staging (p = 0.043) and smoking habits (p = 0.044). The reason why the
expression of GLUT1 correlates with the individual's gender is not yet clear, however,
it is possible that this fact is associated with a higher incidence of the disease in men.
The results of this study suggest that GLUT1 participates in the tumorigenesis
process in OSCC, and can be indicated as a tumor progression biomarker.
Furthermore, it can be said that the larger size of the tumor, its late staging and the
smoking habit contribute to a lower survival of patients affected by OSCC.

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