Expression of Oct3/4 and Nanog in the head and neck squamous carcinoma cells and its clinical implications for delayed neck metastasis in stage I/II oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

These results suggest that Oct3/4 and Nanog represent probable CSC markers in HNSCC, which contribute to the development of DNM in part by enhancing cell motility and invasiveness. Moreover, along with vascular invasion, expression of Oct3/4 can be considered a potential predictor for selecting patients at high risk of developing DNM.