Predictive Value of p62 Protein in the Recurrence of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Tumor recurrence is one of the major problems that affect the postoperative efficacy of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treatment. Autophagy is known to have a dual-sided effect on tumors. However,studies on autophagy and prognosis are limited. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship betweenautophagy and OSCC recurrence. Materials and methods: 72 patients with OSCC were followed for 5 years aftercurative surgery. Tissue specimens from each patient were divided into tumor, normal, and marginal groups.Autophagy protein expression was assessed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Statistical significancewas evaluated using the chi-square test. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to construct a survival curve,and the log-rank test was used to compare survival rates. Cox regression was utilized to describe independentprognostic risk factors. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate the utility of p62 and LC3II expression in assessing OSCC recurrence. Results: Correlations were observed between survival rates and T stage (p = 0.00439),lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), tumor differentiation (p = 0.00423), and changes in p62 expression (p <0.001). Multivariate analysis showed lower p62 protein expression in the tumor group compared to the normalgroup with a higher risk of recurrence (RR = 3.713), and lower p62 protein expression was found in the marginalgroup compared to the tumor group, with a lower risk of recurrence (RR = 0.170). Conclusion: Expression ofp62 protein is one of the important factors influencing relapse in OSCC patients and can be used as an early predictor of OSCC relapse.