FREQUENCY OF LIN28A EXPRESSION IN VULVAR SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS: A POTENTIAL PROGNOSTIC MARKER AND THERAPEUTIC TARGET

Introduction: Vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), although rare, are tumors with a high malignant potential and limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to investigate the expression of Lin28A—a molecule recently associated with various tumors and considered a promising target for therapy—in vulvar SCC, as well as its potential prognostic significance. Methods: Biopsies from 40 cases diagnosed with vulvar SCC were retrospectively re-evaluated, and Lin28A immunohistochemical staining was applied to suitable tumor blocks. Clinical and pathological features were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 69.05 years, with a mean follow-up duration of 53.5 months. Recurrence was observed in 56.8% of cases, and mortality was recorded in 69.2%. Lin28A positivity was detected in 42.1% of tumors. Significant associations were found between greater depth of invasion, advanced clinical stage, recurrence, and mortality. Although a higher mortality rate was noted in Lin28A-positive cases, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study represents the first report investigating Lin28 expression in vulvar SCC, a molecule previously studied in various malignancies such as gastric, lung, liver cancers, and head and neck SCC, where it has been shown to have an adverse prognostic impact. Although the prognostic effect could not be definitively demonstrated due to the limited sample size, a relatively high expression rate was observed. Lin28 may represent a potential therapeutic target, particularly in cases presenting with recurrence and metastasis.