Validation of BD histological grading system as a prognostic marker in OralSquamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

The survival rates for oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) are low and the prognosis is unpredictable, even in early-stage tumors, making the identification of biomarkers of great importance. In order to aid in prognosis and consequently improve the treatment plan, several histological grading systems for OSCC were proposed, but none was predictive and, more important, reproductive. In 2015, we proposed a new system for OSCC histological grading called BD system, which is based on the presence of budding (B) of cells in the invasive front and in the depth (D) of invasion. This system has demonstrated a positive association with the survival of OSCC patients and was superior in prognosis prediction compared to 3 other classic histological grading systems. The aim of this project is to validate the prognostic value of the BD histological grading system in a cohort composed of 150 OSCC from 2 referral services for cancer treatment. Three observers will independently perform, after calibration, the grading of tumors, allowing the analysis of the degree of intra-and inter-observer agreement. Next, clinicopathological and survival associations in order to determine the impact of this system in OSCC prognosis will be performed. This study will confirm the prognostic value of BD histological grading system and may contribute to the identification of prognostic markers for patients with OSCC.