374P - Immunohistochemical evaluation of oral lichen planus: A prospective clinical study

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an autoimmune disorder that causes a persistent inflammatory condition that affects the oral mucosa. The precise cause of OLP is unknown, however it is thought to be a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immunological dysregulation. Oral lichen planus is classified as a potentially oral malignant lesion (POML) because it has the potential to develop into oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC).

Methods

34 individuals with OLP were followed for three years in this prospective clinic-histologic investigation. Tissue samples from these patients were immunohistochemically and histomorphometrically examined for CD34 and CD105 (Endoglin). The patients received routine oral preventive therapy at three-month intervals and were followed for up to three years. The possibility for a malignant transformation was evaluated clinically, and in the event of clinical suspicion, a repeat biopsy was undertaken to rule out malignancy.

Results

The clinical and histological parameters were analyzed using the paired 't' test with the assumption of normal distribution and with an appropriate sample size of 34. During the three-year follow-up period, 73% (n=25/34) of the total patients never developed oral cancer. OSCC was the most typically found, with the Gingivo-Buccal Sulcus area being the most prevalent site. The mean Vascular Caliber (VC) utilizing CD 34 and CD 105 (μm²) in PMOL was 8.5 ± 2.0 μm² and 5.4 ± 1.2 μm², respectively. The mean VC - CD 34 and CD105 did differ statistically (p-value<0.05). It has been reported that patients with 'erosive' OLP had a higher malignant transformation potential (n=09/34) and higher levels of CD34 and CD105 than patients without malignant transformation (p-value<0.01).

Conclusions

CD 34 and CD105 markers were found to be beneficial in predicting the malignant transformation potential of Erosive OLP when utilized in evaluating micro vessel density and vessel morphometry. This suggests that CD34 and CD105 may be useful immunohistological indicators for assessing the early stage of malignant transformation potential in POMLs, particularly OLP, well before 3.0 years. As a result, CD34 and Endoglin are being recommended as IHC Panel Markers for determining OLP prognosis.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.