{
    "abstract": "Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC) is a subtype of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, and comprises a biphasic mixture of epithelial and mesenchymal cells. SpCC is a rare aggressive cancer, with a dismal prognosis. Furthermore, its characteristics remain unclear, complicating treatment for this malignancy. Developing specialized treatment strategies for SpCC that are different from traditional approaches for conventional squamous cell carcinoma is essential for obtaining good clinical outcomes.\nOur previous report documented the presence of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR\u03b1)-expressing mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in the cancer mass of recurrent SpCC of the tongue. PDGFR\u03b1-positive cells identified as cancer-associated fibroblasts are involved in the fate of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in SpCC. In this study, we analyzed the distribution patterns of immunopositive signals for MSC markers including PDGFR\u03b1 in tissue sections via immunostaining.\nImmunohistological analysis showed an expansion of PDGFR\u03b1 and other MSC marker-positive cells within the cancer fields. MSCs were adjacent to cancer epithelial marker EpCAM-positive cells. Some EpCAM-positive cell populations surrounded by cancer-associated fibroblasts were immunopositive for MSC markers including PDGFR\u03b1.\nMSC expansion was observed in cancer areas containing EpCAM-positive cells, implying that MSCs, especially PDGFR\u03b1-positive MSCs, may serve as cancer niche elements involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additional studies focusing on PDGFR\u03b1 pharmacological targeting in SpCC will contribute to understanding of this tumor biology and developing new strategies for treating SpCC.",
    "authors": [
        {
            "affiliation": "Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; takehitoo@tdc.ac.jp.\nDepartment of Physiology, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan.",
            "firstname": "Takehito",
            "initials": "T",
            "lastname": "Ouchi"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.",
            "firstname": "Satoru",
            "initials": "S",
            "lastname": "Morikawa"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.",
            "firstname": "Taneaki",
            "initials": "T",
            "lastname": "Nakagawa"
        },
        {
            "affiliation": "Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; asoda@keio.jp.",
            "firstname": "Seiji",
            "initials": "S",
            "lastname": "Asoda"
        }
    ],
    "conclusions": "MSC expansion was observed in cancer areas containing EpCAM-positive cells, implying that MSCs, especially PDGFR\u03b1-positive MSCs, may serve as cancer niche elements involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additional studies focusing on PDGFR\u03b1 pharmacological targeting in SpCC will contribute to understanding of this tumor biology and developing new strategies for treating SpCC.",
    "copyrights": "Copyright \u00a9 2025 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.",
    "doi": "10.21873/anticanres.17524",
    "journal": "Anticancer research",
    "keywords": [
        "EpCAM",
        "PDGFR\u03b1",
        "Spindle cell carcinoma",
        "cancer-associated fibroblasts",
        "mesenchymal stem cells"
    ],
    "methods": null,
    "publication_date": "2025-03-29",
    "pubmed_id": "40155028",
    "results": "Immunohistological analysis showed an expansion of PDGFR\u03b1 and other MSC marker-positive cells within the cancer fields. MSCs were adjacent to cancer epithelial marker EpCAM-positive cells. Some EpCAM-positive cell populations surrounded by cancer-associated fibroblasts were immunopositive for MSC markers including PDGFR\u03b1.",
    "title": "Platelet-derived Growth Factor Receptor-\u03b1 as a Biomarker for Tongue Spindle Cell Carcinoma.",
    "xml": "<Element 'PubmedArticle' at 0x788503f31170>"
}