Correlation of basic fibroblast growth factor expression with the invasion and the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) in cancer cells and fibroblasts at the invasive front of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and the pathologic and clinical characteristics. Methods: Sections of 61 biopsy specimens of primary OSCC were immunostained to assess the expression of bFGF and FGFR-1 in cancer cells and fibroblasts at the invasive front. Results: The bFGF and FGFR-1 expressions in the cancer cells were evident in all specimens, whilst, in fibroblasts, they were detected in 41 (67%) of 61 specimens. These expressions in the fibroblasts occurred notably more often in high-invasive OSCC specimens than low-invasive OSCC specimens. The prevalence of bFGF and FGFR-1 expressions in cases with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in cases without metastasis. Moreover, these expressions were well correlated with patient prognosis. Conclusion: This study concludes that bFGF and FGFR-1 expressions in fibroblasts at the invasive front are linked to the mode of invasion and the prognosis in OSCC.