Exosome-derived miR-1290 in blood as a predictive biomarker for occult neck metastasis in patients with cT1-2N0 tongue cancer

Objective

This study aimed to identify and evaluate the diagnostic potential of exosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) for the early detection of occult neck metastasis (ONM) in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), a significant postoperative challenge.

Methods

Serum samples collected from 12 patients pre-treatment were divided into two groups: Cohort A: patients with cT1–2N0 TSCC who underwent transoral partial glossectomy alone and occurred (n = 3) or did not occur ONM (n = 3); Cohort B: patients with cN0 TSCC who underwent elective neck dissection (END) and diagnosed (n = 3) or did not diagnose pathological lymph node metastasis (n = 3). Exosomal miRNA was extracted for miRNA microarray analysis to identify candidate miRNAs, and the diagnostic potential was assessed using preoperative serum samples in 45 patients with cT1–2N0 TSCC who underwent transoral partial glossectomy. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR validated the expression of candidate miRNAs. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate the association between miR-1290 expression and clinicopathological factors. The log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to investigate clinicopathological risk factors, including miRNAs.

Results

Microarray and ROC analyses identified miR-1290 as a potential ONM biomarker. Univariate analysis indicated a significant correlation between miR-1290 expression and the clinical depth of invasion. Although miR-1290 was significantly associated with ONM occurrence in the log-rank test, the multivariate analysis with established ONM predictors did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Exosome-derived miR-1290 may serve as a potential biomarker for ONM in patients with early stage TSCC, aiding END. However, larger prospective observational studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.