Immunohistochemical Study of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in p16-Positive and p16-Negative Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Prognostic Implications
Ingrid-Denisa Barcan·Delia Ioana Horhat·Marina Rakitovan·Flavia Zară·Raluca Maria Cloşca·Alexandru Cristian Cîndrea·Andreea-Mihaela Banța·Anda Gabriela Militaru·Horatiu Urechescu·Tudor-Stelian Stoia-Djeska
Background/Objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a tumor characterized by heterogeneous clinical behavior and prognosis. The tumor immune microenvironment plays a significant role in tumor progression and patient prognosis. p16 expression has been investigated as a surrogate biomarker in certain subtypes of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, but its prognostic significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma remains incompletely elucidated. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 59 pat