Protocol for assessment and correlation of Brandwein-Gensler criteria with P53 immunoexpression in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective study [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]

Introduction: The commonest type of malignancy in the head and neck region is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Brandwein provided a risk model that includes scores for the following three factors: worst invasion pattern, lymphocytic host response and perineural invasion. This risk model accounts for overall survival and local recurrence. p53 is considered to be one of the most significant prognostic markers. Objectives: To assess and correlate Brandwein-Gensler criteria with p53 immunoexpression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: In this study, a total of 80 samples will be included from histopathologically diagnosed OSCC patients will be taken for the study. H&E-stained slides of all cases will be evaluated using Brandwein-Gensler criteria and then immunostaining will be done for p53 immunoexpression. A correlation between Brandwein-Gensler criteria and p53 immunoexpression will be determined. The present study will assess and correlate Brandwein-Gensler criteria with p53 immunoexpression. If the Brandwein-Gensler criteria score increases, the intensity of p53 immunoexpression will also increase. Conclusions: We hypothesize that Brandwein-Gensler criteria may be significantly correlated with p53 immunoexpression in OSCC.