Low-density neutrophils: A critical component in understanding the tumor microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Tumour microenvironment is one of the evading research studies in the progression of cancers. Circulating neutrophil's contribution to tumor growth and metastatic progression has been a matter of research interest. The phenotypic subset of low-density neutrophils (LDNs) has been seen as closely associated with disease severity in various cancers.

Aim And Objectives: This study aims to investigate the LDN and normal-density neutrophil (NDN) populations in oral cancer.

Materials And Methods: This is prospective research in which the CD16+ population was magnetically sorted and leukocytes were separated in a density gradient. Using a flow cytometer, the percentages of the neutrophil subpopulation were ascertained. It was established that there are two distinct populations of human neutrophils: LDNs and NDNs.

Results: Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) showed a higher percentage of LDN/NDN ratio and a correspondingly lower percentage of LDN/NDN ratio when compared to the control group. In addition, patients with OSCC had higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLRs).

Conclusion: The current study showed a significant correlation between the LDN/NDN ratio in OSCC, which could be used as a benchmark for novel treatments. Additionally, the acquired LDNs/NDNs and NLR levels in cancer patients demonstrate their importance in OSCC patient prognosis and diagnosis.