High VCP/p97 expression associates with low PD-L1 TPS in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Objectives VCP/p97 inhibition is known to upregulate PD-L1. This study investigated the correlation between PD-L1 and VCP/p97 expression in OPSCC, as well as the expression and prognostic significance of VCP/p97 in OPSCC. Methods The study retrospectively included 56 patients with OPSCC. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect VCP/p97 and PD-L1 expression. The staining intensity of VCP/p97 and PD-L1 TPS and CPS was determined. HPV status was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining against p16 and HPV PCR. In addition, iTILs were assessed. Results High VCP/p97 expression was observed in 67.9% of the tumors. A significant association was found between high VCP/p97 expression and low PD-L1 TPS (p = 0.025) and between high VCP/p97 and low iTILs (p = 0.015). No significant correlation was found between VCP/p97 and PD-L1 CPS. VCP/p97 showed no prognostic significance in OPSCC. Conclusion VCP/p97 is frequently overexpressed in OPSCC. The significant association of high VCP/p97 expression with low PD-L1 TPS and reduced iTILs could indicate that VCP/p97 inhibitor therapy may enhance the efficacy of PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy in OPSCC.