Oncofetal Protein CR-1 in a new clinical role: a potential tumor marker for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE CR-1 (CR-1) is an oncofetal protein with its role as a key factor in early process of carcinoma has been evaluated in cases of various cancers. However, very few studies have reported its role in oral cancers, which is the sixth most common cancer around the world, particularly with high prevalence in developing countries. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most predominant (90%) of all the histological types of oral cancer. Late detection, associated with increased morbidity and mortality, is mainly attributed to non-availability of a suitable biomarker for the disease. In the present pilot study we have evaluated the role of soluble CR-1, in serum as a potential tumor marker for OSCC. METHODS CR-1 was estimated using sandwich ELISA in serum samples of 50 biopsy proven OSCC patients (pre and post treatment) along with age and gender matched healthy controls. Immunohistochemistry was also done in corresponding tumor tissue sections to check the expression of CR-1. RESULTS Pre-treatment CR-1 was found to be 2.25 fold higher in serum of OSCC patients as compared to control (p<0.0001\***|), which was reduced to 1.6 folds post treatment (p=0.0006\***|). CR-1 levels were comparatively higher in early stage of disease. Upon IHC 80% of the cases were found to be positive for CR-1. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that serum levels of CR-1 are elevated in patients of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which decrease post treatment. Also, the association of expression of protein with tumor progression predicts CR-1 as a molecule that can be further evaluated as a potential tumor maker in OSCC. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement Department of Biotechnology (BT/PR6139/GBD/27/366/2012):Dr Arnab Pal Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (71/4-Edu/11/1537):Dr Arnab Pal Indian Council of Medical Research (3/1/3JRF-HRD-22 (10519)):Ms. Anu Jain Indian Council of Medical Research (3/1/3JRF-HRD-131 (10709)):Ms. Reetu Thakur ### Author Declarations All relevant ethical guidelines have been followed and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes All necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived. Yes Any clinical trials involved have been registered with an ICMJE-approved registry such as ClinicalTrials.gov and the trial ID is included in the manuscript. NA I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant Equator, ICMJE or other checklist(s) as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes All raw data is available from corresponding author on request.