Soluble forms of PD-1 and sPD-L1/2 in serum and urine of patients with head and neck cancer and their clinical significance

ABSTRACT

    This study explored the soluble forms of PD-1 and sPD-L1/2 in serum and urine of patients with head and neck cancer (HNCs) and associated the data with clinical state and 5-year survival. The sPD-1 and sPD-L1/2 levels were evaluated by ELISA in sufferers (N=110) and normal controls (N=82). Patients in the case group were more likely to be male smokers or former smokers. Compared with the normal control group, the serum levels of sPD-1, sPD-L1 and sPD-L2 and the urine level of sPD-L1 in patients with HNCs were increased. Furthermore, sPD-1 and sPD-L1 serum levels existed a positive connection, and sPD-1 and sPD-L2 serum levels positively correlated in HNCs sufferers. The urine sPD-1 and sPD-L1 had a positive relationship. sPD-1 serum levels had a positive connection with urine sPD-1, sPD-L1 urine levels had a positive relationship with sPD-L1, and sPD-L2 serum levels positively connected to urine sPD-L2. Lower serum sPD-1 and sPD-L1/L2 were associated with disease progression and survival at the examination time. sPD-1 and sPD-L1/L2 serum levels above median were markedly related to a decreased probability of 5-years OS in patients with HNCs. The sPD-1 and sPD-L1/2 were complementary markers representing clinical condition and illness outcomes for HNCs patients. The sPD-L1 might accelerate the characterization of high-risk patients with disapproving illness outcomes. sPD-1 and sPD-L1/2 could be easily accessed through liquid biopsy. The incorporation of them as indicators for risk evaluation throughout treatment scheduling and follow-up seems to be an appreciated method.

KEYWORDS:

• Head and neck cancers
• SPD-1
• SPD-L1
• SPD-L2
• biomarkers

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The labeled dataset used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Yan Lv

Yan Lv received the B.S. degree in Medical Imaging from Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China, in 2009 and the M.S. degree in oncology from Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China, in 2015. His research interests include head and neck cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer and mammary cancer.

Kai Gai

Kai Gai received the B.S. degree in Medical Imaging from Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China, in 2011 and the M.S. degree in oncology from Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China, in 2014. His research interests include head and neck cancer, lung cancer and mammary cancer.

Xia Ding

Xia Ding received the Master's degree in Imaging Medicine and Radiotherapy in 2009, and Doctor’s degree in Oncology in 2016, from Shandong University, Jinan, China. She is currently working in Oncology Department in Qingdao Municipal Hospital. Her research interests include the microenvironment of tumor and anti-tumor immunotherapy.

Weihua Sun

Weihua Sun received the B.S. degree in Clinical Medicine from Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China, in 2008 and the M.S. degree in oncology from Qingdao Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China, in 2012. His research interests include head and neck cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer.