Cancer stem cell markers in intraoral minor salivary gland tumors

Emerging evidence suggests the existence of a tumorigenic population of cancer cells that demonstrate stem cell-like properties. Cancer stem cells have been associated with tumor initiation and progression. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether cancer stem cells play a functional role in the tumorigenesis of salivary gland tumors.

24 malignant, 24 benign salivary gland tumors, and seven normal salivary gland tissues were immunohistochemically stained for cancer stem cell markers ALDH1, CD44, CD24, and CD166. We scored the expressions of these proteins based on staining intensity and the ratio of positive cells.

ALDH1 expression was down-regulated in malignant tumors (p = 0.034), while CD166 expression was upregulated (p = 0.002). CD44 and CD24 showed decreased expression in malignant tumors. Downregulation of ALDH expression by age also showed statistical significance (p = 0.007).

ALDH1, CD166, CD44, and CD24 are potential stem cell markers for salivary gland tumors. Particularly CD166 and ALDH1 have a role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of these tumors. Loss of ALDH1 by aging may play an essential biological role in malignancy. The potential diagnostic role of ALDH1 and CD44 should be investigated.