A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CD44 AND HIF-1α IN CASES OF ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA USING IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY

The current study aims to examine the immunohistochemistry manifestations of HIF-1α and CD44 in OSCC to understand their function in tumor development and to forecast their possible predictive and likely therapeutic relevance in OSCC cases. A prospective study was conducted over six months at various medical institutions in Pakistan, including Gomal Medical College Dera Ismail Khan, Bacha Khan Medical Complex MTI–Swabi, and women's medical and dental college. A six-month study at Pakistan's medical institutions involved 60 paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, including 10 normal cases and 25 cases of OSCC. Pathologists used telehealth technology for remote communication, and patients without relevant data were disqualified. The study involved immunohistochemistry of 4 μm tissue slices and histomorphometric analysis using a computerized stainer. Tonsillar tissues were used as positive control slides. Histomorphometric analysis was performed using a Leica imaging analyzer. Data was assessed using SPSS software, with t-tests for independent samples and 95% confidence intervals for interpretation. The research shows a significant increase in CD 44 and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 Alpha markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal mucosa, potentially predictive and diagnostic. Further research is advised to test hypoxia-targeting medication as a preventative measure. Immunohistochemistry expression evaluation and histopathological diagnosis are consistent.