Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in epithelial ovarian tumors and its relation to vascular endothelial growth factor and p53 expression

Abstract.   Lee JS, Choi YD, Lee JH, Nam JH, Choi C, Lee MC, Park CS, Juhng SW, Min KW. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in epithelial ovarian tumors and its relation to vascular endothelial growth factor and p53 expression. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2006; 16(Suppl. 1): 247–253.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in epithelial ovarian tumors and its correlation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and p53 expression. Immunohistochemical studies with anti-COX-2, anti-VEGF, and anti-p53 antibodies were carried out in 54 malignant and 23 borderline epithelial ovarian tumors. Elevated COX-2 expression was detected in 77.8% of ovarian carcinomas, which was significantly higher than that of borderline tumors (26.1%) ( P < 0.001). In ovarian carcinomas, there was no significant correlation between COX-2 expression and other clinicopathologic features. Elevated VEGF expression was detected in 74.1% of ovarian carcinomas, and p53 expression was found in 64.8% of ovarian carcinomas. COX-2 expression was statistically correlated with elevated VEGF expression ( P < 0.001) and p53 positivity ( P < 0.05). On a univariate analysis, FIGO stage ( P < 0.0001), histologic type ( P = 0.0104), and COX-2 expression ( P = 0.0135) were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. In a multivariate analysis, FIGO stage ( P < 0.0001) was the only independent prognostic factor for poor survival. These findings suggest that COX-2 may play a role in the progression of epithelial ovarian tumors and that COX-2 expression may contribute to ovarian tumor angiogenesis by stimulating VEGF expression. p53 may be responsible for the regulation of COX-2 expression.     

Caveolin-1 expression in advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma--a clinicopathologic study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation among the expression of caveolin-1, the protein constituent of caveolae, and disease outcome in advanced-stage ovarian carcinomas. METHODS: Sections from 76 primary ovarian carcinomas and metastatic lesions from 45 patients diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma (FIGO stages III-IV) were evaluated for caveolin-1 expression using immunohistochemistry. Patients were divided into long-term survivors and short-term survivors based on disease outcome. Twenty nonneoplastic fallopian tubes and ovaries were additionally studied. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 70 months. The mean values for disease-free survival and overall survival were 109 and 125 months for long-term survivors, compared to 3 and 21 months for short-term survivors, respectively. Caveolin-1 expression was localized to the cell membrane in 24/76 (32%) specimens and was detected in the cytoplasm in 52/76 (68%) cases. Both patterns were more often detected in metastases, when compared with primary tumors. In addition, membrane immunoreactivity was more often seen in tumor of short-term survivors. These differences did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). Combined membrane and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was seen in 17/20 (85%) nonneoplastic lesions. Despite its role in tyrosine-kinase-mediated signal transduction in vitro studies, caveolin-1 expression in carcinomas showed no association with the protein expression of c-erbB-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor, evaluated in a previous study of this patient cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first in vivo evidence of caveolin-1 membrane expression in human malignancies. Caveolin-1 is often expressed in advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma, but does not appear to be a powerful predictor of disease outcome in these tumors. The reduced expression level in carcinomas compared to nonneoplastic epithelium may point to a role for caveolin-1 as a tumor suppressor gene.     

HLA-G expression in effusions is a possible marker of tumor susceptibility to chemotherapy in ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: We recently showed that the levels of secreted human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a nonclassical MHC class I antigen, are significantly elevated in malignant effusions in ovarian carcinoma compared to benign ones. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression and clinical role of HLA-G in effusions and corresponding solid tumors from patients diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma. METHODS: Effusions (= 148), corresponding primary tumors (= 66), and metastatic lesions (= 122) were analyzed using immunohistochemistry with an anti-HLA-G monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: HLA-G was detected in cancer cells in 49/148 (33%) effusions, 33/66 (50%) primary tumors, and 59/122 (48%) solid metastases. These differences did not reach statistical significance. Expression in effusions and solid metastases significantly correlated (P = 0.029). HLA-G expression in tumor cells was significantly lower in effusions obtained during or following chemotherapy (P = 0.038). The presence of HLA-G-positive tumor cells in effusions obtained prior to the institution of chemotherapy correlated with better overall survival (P = 0.042). HLA-G expression in primary tumors and solid metastases did not correlate with any of the clinicopathologic parameters studied. CONCLUSIONS: HLA-G is expressed in a significant number of ovarian carcinomas at all anatomic sites. The reduced expression of HLA-G in post-chemotherapy effusions and its correlation with improved survival may be related to preferential susceptibility of HLA-G-expressing cells at this site. Our findings suggest a new role for HLA-G as a prognostic indicator in advanced-stage ovarian cancer in effusions.     

c-kit基因及其靶体SCF在卵巢上皮性肿瘤中的表达

目的:研究c-kit基因及其靶体干细胞因子(stem cell factor,SCF)在卵巢上皮性肿瘤的表达及临床意义,探讨其在卵巢上皮性癌发生发展中的可能作用。方法:免疫组化SP法测定10例正常卵巢组织,20例卵巢良性上皮性肿瘤,16例卵巢交界性上皮性肿瘤,58例卵巢上皮性癌标本中c-kit、SCF蛋白的表达。结果:(1)卵巢上皮性癌中c-kit蛋白阳性表达率为63.79%,明显高于正常卵巢组织(0%)及卵巢良性上皮性肿瘤(10.00%),差异有显著性(P<0.01);卵巢交界性上皮性肿瘤中c-kit阳性表达率为43.75%(7/16),也高于正常卵巢组织及卵巢良性上皮性肿瘤,差异有显著性(P<0.05);(2)卵巢上皮性癌中,低分化组的c-kit蛋白阳性表达率高于高、中分化组(P<0.05),c-kit蛋白的阳性表达率随FIGO分期的进展及淋巴结转移而升高(P<0.05);(3)c-kit阳性患者的预后比c-kit阴性患者差(P<0.05);(4)SCF在正常卵巢上皮、卵巢良性上皮性肿瘤、卵巢交界性上皮性肿瘤、卵巢上皮性癌中的阳性表达率分别为30.00%、35.00%、62.50%和74.14%,卵巢上皮性癌的阳性表达率显著高于正常卵巢组织及卵巢良性上皮性肿瘤(均P<0.01)。卵巢癌低分化组SCF的阳性表达率显著高于高、中分化组(P<0.05)。且随FIGO分期的进展及淋巴结转移而升高(P<0.05);(5)c-kit与SCF表达具有明显相关性(r=0.302,P<0.05)。结论:(1)c-kit、SCF表达异常可能在卵巢上皮性癌的发生发展中起重要作用;(2)c-kit、SCF在卵巢上皮性癌中的表达具有相关性,SCF作为c-kit的配体,可促使c-kit活化,两者具有协同作用(3)c-kit蛋白表达与卵巢上皮性癌患者的预后有关,可作为判断卵巢上皮性癌患者预后的指标之一。     

E-Cadherin complex protein expression and survival in ovarian carcinoma

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between expression of E-cadherin complex proteins, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and c-erbB-2 and disease outcome in advanced-stage ovarian carcinomas. METHODS: Sections from 75 primary ovarian carcinomas (=37) and metastatic lesions (=38) from 45 patients diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma (FIGO stage III-IV) were immunostained and evaluated for staining pattern, extent, and intensity. Patients were divided in two groups based on disease outcome. Long-term survivors (21 patients) and short-term survivors (24 patients) were defined using a double cutoff of 36 months for disease-free survival (DFS) and 60 months for overall survival (OS). Mean follow-up period was 70 months. The mean values for DFS and OS were 109 and 125 months for long-term survivors, as compared to 3 and 21 months for short-term survivors, respectively. RESULTS: Comparison of all primary and metastatic lesions showed upregulation of gamma-catenin protein expression in the latter (P = 0.05). When segregated according to disease outcome, the expression of all studied proteins, with the exception of EGFR, was more diffuse in tumors of short-term survivors. The presence of cytoplasmic staining for c-erbB-2 was associated with poor survival in the entire cohort (P = 0.007), as well as in primary tumors alone (P = 0.003), in survival analysis. Similar results were seen in the evaluation of primary tumors for gamma-catenin (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: gamma-Catenin, and possibly c-erbB-2, are valid markers of poor survival in advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma.     

卵巢上皮性肿瘤的临床病理特征及其细胞周期素D1和p53蛋白表达的研究

目的研究卵巢上皮性癌（卵巢癌）和交界性上皮性肿瘤的临床病理特征及其细胞周期素D1（cyclin D1）和p53蛋白表达的情况,探讨卵巢癌和交界性上皮性肿瘤在发病机制上的联系。方法分析45例卵巢癌（卵巢癌组）和54例卵巢交界性上皮性肿瘤（交界性肿瘤组）的临床病理资料,采用免疫组化法检测两组组织中cyclin D1、p53蛋白的表达情况,并分析其与临床病理特征的相关性。结果（1）临床病理特征：①年龄：交界性肿瘤组平均年龄为42．5岁（14～82岁）,中位数年龄41岁;卵巢癌组平均年龄为53．5岁（26～80岁）,中位数年龄51岁。②分期：按国际妇产科联盟（FIGO）分期标准,交界性肿瘤组Ⅰ期48例、Ⅱ期3例、Ⅲ期3例;卵巢癌组Ⅰ期6例、Ⅱ期8例、Ⅲ期26例、Ⅳ期5例。③病理类型：交界性肿瘤组以黏液型为主[占56％（30／54）],其次为浆液型[其中普通型11例,微乳头型5例;占30％（16／54）];卵巢癌组以浆液型（其中低度恶性19例,高度恶性3例）为主[占49％（22／45）]。④病理分化程度：卵巢癌组高分化5例,中分化17例,低分化或未分化23例。⑤预后：交界性肿瘤组5年生存率为98％,卵巢癌组为51％,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（P=0．000）。（2）cyclin D1和p53蛋白的表达及其与卵巢癌和交界性肿瘤临床病理特征的相关性：卵巢癌组cyclin D1和p53蛋白的阳性表达率分别为31％（14／45）和56％（25／45）,p53蛋白表达强度与病理分化程度呈正相关（r=0．320,P=0．032）;交界性肿瘤组cyclin D1和p53蛋白的阳性表达率分别为69％（37／54）和6％（3／54）。其中,普通型浆液性交界性肿瘤与高度恶性浆液性癌比较（两者cyclin D1蛋白阳性表达率分别为91％和26％,p53蛋白分别为0和58％）,差异有统计学意义（P〈O．01）;而微乳头型浆液性交界性肿瘤与低度恶性浆液癌比较（两者cyclin D1蛋白阳性表达率分别为3／5和2／3,p53蛋白分别为1／5和1／3）,差异则无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论cyclin D1蛋白的过度表达常见于卵巢浆液性交界性肿瘤及低度恶性浆液性癌组织中,而p53蛋白的过度表达更多见于高度恶性浆液性癌组织中。卵巢浆液性交界性肿瘤与高度恶性浆液性癌具有不同的发病机制,而微乳头型浆液性交界性肿瘤与低度恶性浆液性癌的关系可能更为密切。     

Expression of the chromatin remodeling factor Rsf-1 is upregulated in ovarian carcinoma effusions and predicts poor survival

OBJECTIVE: We recently identified Rsf-1, a chromatin remodeling gene, as a potential oncogene that is frequently amplified and overexpressed in ovarian serous carcinoma. However, its clinical role in ovarian cancer effusions is not clear. In the present study, we assessed the clinical significance of Rsf-1 overexpression in ovarian carcinoma effusions. METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections from 168 effusions (134 peritoneal, 34 pleural) were analyzed for Rsf-1 expression using immunocytochemistry. Matched primary tumors (n=48) and solid metastases (n=73) from 48 patients were additionally studied. Rsf-1 expression in tumor cells in effusions was analyzed for possible association with clinicopathologic parameters and survival. RESULTS: Rsf-1 protein expression was found in carcinoma cells in 157/168 (93%) effusions. Of these, 70 (45%) stained weakly and 87 (55%) strongly. Specimens from patients diagnosed with FIGO stage IV disease had higher staining score (extent x intensity) compared with stage III tumors (P=0.008). Rsf-1 expression level was significantly lower in primary tumors and solid metastases (P<0.001 for extent, intensity and score). Univariate survival analysis for 59 patients with post-chemotherapy recurrence effusions demonstrated a significant association between higher Rsf-1 staining and shorter overall survival (OS; P=0.009 for staining extent and intensity, P=0.02 for staining score). FIGO stage was the only clinical parameter associated with OS in this group (P=0.032). In Cox analysis, Rsf-1 expression (P=0.022 for staining extent and intensity, P=0.045 for staining score) and FIGO stage (P=0.035) were independent predictors of shorter survival. CONCLUSIONS: Rsf-1 is frequently expressed and upregulated in ovarian carcinoma cells in effusions and is a novel prognostic marker for patients with post-chemotherapy recurrent disease. The above findings support a role of Rsf-1 in mediating disease progression and aggressive clinical behavior in this subset of ovarian carcinoma patients.     

肺内结节间质病变

病例1资料：患儿女,6岁。反复咳嗽、咯血,面色苍白;血红蛋白66 g/L,小细胞低色素性贫血;痰涂片检查可见含铁血黄素巨噬细胞。         影像表现：两肺透光度减低,广泛磨玻璃征,肺内弥漫分布密度较淡、轮廓模糊的小结节,小叶间隔增厚呈细网状影。     

膜联蛋白A8在卵巢上皮性浆液性肿瘤中的表达及临床意义

目的:检测膜联蛋白A8(Annexin A8,ANXA8)在卵巢组织中的表达,探讨其表达与卵巢上皮性浆液性恶性肿瘤患者临床病理参数及预后的相关性。方法:采用免疫组织化学法检测75例卵巢组织(正常卵巢组织组11例、卵巢浆液性良性肿瘤组13例、卵巢浆液性交界性肿瘤组17例、卵巢浆液性恶性肿瘤组34例)中ANXA8的表达,分析其与卵巢癌患者临床病理参数及疾病预后的关系。结果:ANXA8主要定位于细胞膜及细胞质,ANXA8在卵巢浆液性恶性肿瘤组中的高表达率(23/34,67.65%)明显高于正常卵巢组织组(1/11,9.09%)、卵巢浆液性良性肿瘤组(3/13,23.08%)及卵巢浆液性交界性肿瘤组(5/17,29.41%),差异有统计学意义(P分别为0.001、0.006、0.010)。在34例卵巢浆液性恶性肿瘤患者中,FIGOⅢ~Ⅳ期患者的ANXA8的高表达率(21/24,87.5%)明显高于FIGOⅠ~Ⅱ期患者(2/10,20.0%),差异具有统计学意义(P<0.001);盆腹腔残余病灶直径>1 cm患者的ANXA8高表达率(15/17,88.2%)明显高于残余病灶≤1 cm患者(8/17,41.2%),差异有统计学意义(P=0.010)。Kaplan-Meier生存分析表明,FIGO分期、淋巴转移、残余病灶、ANXA8的表达都是影响总生存期(OS)的重要因素(均P<0.05)。Cox多元回归分析表明ANXA8的高表达是影响卵巢浆液性恶性肿瘤患者预后的独立危险因素(P=0.019,HR=11.465,95%CI:1.498~87.757)。结论:ANXA8在卵巢上皮性浆液性恶性肿瘤组织中表达升高,且与卵巢癌不良预后有关,可用于临床监测卵巢上皮性浆液性恶性肿瘤患者病情变化。     

脆性组胺酸三聚体蛋白在上皮性卵巢肿瘤中的表达

目的 :探讨脆性组胺酸三聚体 (FHIT)蛋白在上皮性卵巢肿瘤组织中的表达及其意义 ,分析FHIT与P5 3蛋白、nm2 3 H1产物表达之间的相关性。方法 :应用免疫组化二步法检测 83例上皮性卵巢肿瘤蜡块组织标本中FHIT蛋白、P5 3蛋白及nm2 3 H1产物的表达。结果 :FHIT蛋白缺失仅见于恶性上皮性卵巢肿瘤 ,缺失率为 17.0 %。在良性与交界性上皮性卵巢肿瘤中未见FHIT蛋白缺失。在上皮性卵巢癌不同组织学分级中FHIT蛋白的缺失率分别为G10 / 6、G2 8.0 %、G331.8% ,低分化肿瘤FHIT蛋白缺失率显著高于高中分化肿瘤 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;在不同组织学类型中 ,FHIT蛋白缺失仅见于浆液性癌和透明细胞癌 ,缺失率分别为 2 5 .0 %和 1/ 3,在粘液性癌和子宫内膜样癌中未见FHIT蛋白缺失 ,但差异无显著性 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;FHIT蛋白缺失与淋巴结转移、残留癌灶大小及nm2 3 H1产物表达有明显相关性 ,与FIGO分期、有无腹水及P5 3蛋白表达无明显相关性。结论 :FHIT蛋白缺失是恶性上皮性卵巢肿瘤的特征 ,FHIT蛋白表达缺失在卵巢肿瘤的发生发展过程中有一定的作用 ,可能与上皮性卵巢癌的恶性进展及转移有关     

Cyclooxygenase 2 expression in serous tumors of the ovary.

This study was designed to investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in ovarian serous tumors (benign, borderline tumors, and carcinomas) and primary peritoneal serous carcinomas. Cases diagnosed between 1995 and 2001 were reviewed; 47 benign tumors, 6 borderline tumors, and 39 carcinomas were examined, as well as 12 normal ovaries that served as controls. Blocks were stained with anti COX-2 polyclonal antibody and staining was graded qualitatively. The staining intensity was assessed as weak (score of 1), moderate (score of 2), or strong (score of 3). Normal ovarian and tubal epithelium, inclusion cysts, benign serous tumors, and borderline tumors had a uniform score 3 staining pattern. Serous ovarian carcinomas had variable staining scores, tending to correlate with the level of tumor differentiation. Well-differentiated carcinomas had more intense COX-2 staining than poorly differentiated carcinomas, which had only weak COX-2 staining. The degree of COX-2 staining was not significantly related to overall survival. In conclusion, COX-2 expression is present in serous tumors, including benign tumors, borderline tumors, and carcinomas. Similar to the findings in other neoplasms, COX-2 expression is strongest in well-differentiated tumors and is much less evident in those that are poorly differentiated. The clinical utility of these findings is related to the potential role of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are COX-2 inhibitors, in treating and/or preventing some forms of ovarian carcinoma.     

L1 (CAM) (CD171) in ovarian serous neoplasms

PURPOSE OF THE INVESTIGATION: The evaluation of L1 (CAM) as a tumor progression marker and as a prognostic factor in serous ovarian tumors. METHODS: L1 (CAM) protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in serous ovarian tumors [cystadenomas (n = 20), borderline tumors (n = 14) and carcinomas (n = 47)], and was correlated with stage,grade, progression-free survival time (PFS) and overall survival. RESULTS: L1 (CAM) immunoreactivity correlated significantly with stage and grade. It increased from benign tumors to early carcinomas and to advanced stage carcinomas progressively and significantly. In Stage III G3 carcinoma patients, low L1 (CAM) expressing tumors exhibited better response to chemotherapy and were associated with statistically significantly longer PFS (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: L1 (CAM) expression represents a novel diagnostic marker in serous ovarian neoplasms that shows characteristics of tumor progression. L1 expression was associated with chemotherapy response.     

Predicting the clinical behavior of ovarian cancer from gene expression profiles

Abstract.   De Smet F, Pochet NLMM, Engelen K, Van Gorp T, Van Hummelen P, Marchal K, Amant F, Timmerman D, De Moor BLR, Vergote IB. Predicting the clinical behavior of ovarian cancer from gene expression profiles. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2006; 16(Suppl. 1): 147–151.
We investigated whether prognostic information is reflected in the expression patterns of ovarian carcinoma samples. RNA obtained from seven FIGO stage I without recurrence, seven platin-sensitive advanced-stage (III or IV), and six platin-resistant advanced-stage ovarian tumors was hybridized on a complementary DNA microarray with 21,372 spotted clones. The results revealed that a considerable number of genes exhibit nonaccidental differential expression between the different tumor classes. Principal component analysis reflected the differences between the three tumor classes and their order of transition. Using a leave-one-out approach together with least squares support vector machines, we obtained an estimated classification test accuracy of 100% for the distinction between stage I and advanced-stage disease and 76.92% for the distinction between platin-resistant versus platin-sensitive disease in FIGO stage III/IV. These results indicate that gene expression patterns could be useful in clinical management of ovarian cancer.     

Assessment of Her-1, Her-2, And Her-3 expression and Her-2 amplification in advanced stage ovarian carcinoma.

The human epidermal growth factor receptor (Her) family of receptor tyrosine kinases includes Her-1, Her-2, and Her-3. The overexpression of Her-1 and Her-2 have been reported previously in surface epithelial ovarian cancer. Although up to one-third of ovarian carcinomas have been found to have amplification or overexpression of Her-2, responses to trastuzumab therapy in these patients have been disappointing. In this study, we examined Her-1, Her-2, and Her- 3 protein expression as well as the frequency of Her-2 amplification in a series of 103 high-grade, advanced-stage (FIGO stage III or IV) ovarian surface epithelial carcinomas. Immunohistochemical staining using commercially available antibodies against Her-1-3 and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes against Her-2 and chromosome 17 centromere (CEP) were performed on a tissue microarray containing cores of tumor from 103 surface epithelial carcinomas (85 serous, 6 mixed surface epithelial, 5 clear cell, 3 endometrioid, 3 undifferentiated, 1 mucinous). Nine of 99 (9.1%) tumors were positive for Her-1 expression and 5 of 102 (4.9%) tumors were positive for Her-2 expression, with 1 showing strong immunoreactivity. None of the Her-1 positive tumors exhibited Her-2 immunoreactivity. There was no correlation between Her-1 or Her-2 expression and survival. Using Her-2:centromere fluorescence ratios of 2.0 or 1.5 as cutoffs in assessment of Her-2 amplification, 8 of 75 (10.7%) and 25 of 75 (33.3%) tumors, respectively, showed Her-2 amplification. Two of eight tumors that showed higher level (>2) Her-2 amplification by FISH also were positive for Her-2 by immunohistochemistry. Only 3 of 103 tumors expressed Her-3. Immunoreactivity for Her-1 and Her-2 was less frequently observed in this series than has been previously reported. The strong correlation between Her-2 immunostaining and amplification characteristic of breast carcinoma is not seen in ovarian carcinoma. These results indicated that few patients with ovarian carcinoma have tumors that would benefit from therapy targeted specifically against Her-1, Her-2, or Her-3.     

卵巢上皮性肿瘤组织中肺耐药蛋白的表达及与化疗耐药的关系

目的：探讨卵巢上皮性肿瘤肺耐药蛋白（LRP）表达的临床意义。方法：采用免疫组化法测定79例卵巢上皮性肿瘤（恶性54例、交界性5例、良性20例）和18例正常卵巢组织的LRP和P-gp表达,并进行相关临床因素分析。结果：⑴卵巢上皮性癌组织中LRP-Pgp表达阳性率分别为75.9%和38.9%。5例交界性肿瘤中LRP阳性4例,P-gp阳性2例。20例良性肿瘤和18例正常卵巢组织中分别有6例7例LRP表达阳性（30%和38.9%),无1例P-gp阳性;⑵LRP的表达与腹水相关,与患者年龄、临床分期、病理类型、组织分级、肿瘤和残余瘤大小无关。P-gp的表达与上述临床特征无关;⑶LRP表达阳性和阴性的卵巢上皮癌患者化疗的有效率分别为50.0%和84.6%(P＜0.05)。P-gp表达阳性和阴性的患者化疗有效率分别为40.0%和69.7%（P＜0.05);⑷LRP、P-gp表达阴性患者预后明显优于阳性者。结论：LRP是评价卵巢上皮性癌化疗耐药性和预后的可靠指标。     

Implication of malignancy and prognosis of p27(kip1), Cyclin E, and Cdk2 expression in epithelial ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to further evaluate whether the expression of p27(kip1), cyclin E, and cdk2 is related to the malignancy of ovarian tumors and whether their expressions, alone or in combination, are associated with prognosis in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis using anti-p27(kip1), anti-cyclinE, and anti-cdk2 antibodies was carried out for 103 cases consisting of benign, borderline, and malignant ovarian tumors, and Western blot analysis and cdk2 activity assay were performed in 26 fresh ovarian tumor samples. RESULTS: p27(kip1) expression was reduced in ovarian carcinomas in contrast to benign and borderline tumors. The expression of cyclin E and cdk2 gradually increased from benign to borderline to malignant tumors. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with p27(kip1) expression had a high overall survival rate. Patients with cyclin E overexpression had a low overall survival rate. When the combination of these proteins was analyzed, patients with the p27(kip1) (-)/cyclin E (++)/cdk2 (++) phenotype were significantly associated with the poorest overall survival. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the combined phenotype of p27(kip1) (-)/cyclin E (++)/cdk2 (++) was independently related to poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that loss of p27(kip1) expression and overexpression of cyclin E or cdk2 were significantly associated with malignancy in ovarian tumors. p27(kip1) and cyclin E proteins may be valuable prognostic factors for epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients. Furthermore, the combined evaluation of p27(kip1)/cyclin E/cdk2 may provide the most important prognostic implication.     

Her-2/neu expression and amplification in early stage ovarian surface epithelial neoplasms

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine Her-2/neu gene amplification and protein overexpression in a spectrum of ovarian neoplasms using both immunohistochemical (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques that are FDA approved. This study is focused on early stage tumors including both carcinomas and borderline tumors. METHODS: FDA-approved IHC and FISH for Her-2/neu were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from 79 ovarian neoplasms representing a broad spectrum of tumor types as well as four normal ovaries. All tumors were either stage I or stage II. Tumor and normal tissue were studied collectively using a tissue microarray (TMA). HercepTest (DAKO) and PathVysion Her-2/neu probe kit (Vysis Inc.) were used for IHC and FISH analysis. RESULTS: FISH analysis of serous carcinomas demonstrated Her-2/neu gene amplification in 3 (18%) of 17 cases. Two of three cases showing Her-2/neu gene amplification were scored 1+ using IHC, while the remaining case was scored as 0. Analysis of endometrioid carcinomas demonstrated Her-2/neu amplification using FISH in 1 of 10 (10%) cases. IHC in this case was scored 2+ (positive). None of the remaining 44 tumors, including clear cell carcinoma (n = 12), transitional cell carcinoma (n = 1), mixed epithelial carcinoma (n = 7), carcinoma not otherwise specified (n = 1), and 31 borderline tumors (mucinous, n = 17; endometrioid, n = 7; serous, n = 7), showed Her-2/neu gene amplification or protein overexpression. Normal ovaries were negative as well. CONCLUSIONS: Amplification of Her-2/neu in early stage ovarian neoplasms is infrequent, 6.7% overall. Due to the limited number of informative cases, we were unable to determine the clinical significance of Her-2/neu amplification in this study. Her-2/neu amplification was restricted to carcinomas and was not encountered in ovarian borderline tumors.     

Actin bundling protein fascin expression in ovarian neoplasms: comparison of histopathologic features of tumors obtained by the first and secondary cytoreduction surgeries

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The aim of the study was to compare the fascin expression pattern and histopathologic features of malign epithelial ovarian tumors obtained by the primary and secondary surgeries. METHODS: The samples of 94 epithelial ovarian carcinomas, 35 secondary surgeries for ovarian carcinomas, 13 borderline epithelial ovarian tumors, 25 cystadenomas and four normal ovarian tissues were stained by means of fascin immunohistochemistry. Secondary surgeries included in the study were secondary cytoreduction at the time of second-look laparotomy (SLL), interval debulking surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy or secondary cytoreductive surgery in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma. RESULTS: Mean rank value of the stromal fascin score was higher in 94 cases of malign epithelial ovarian carcinomas than borderline epithelial tumors, cystadenomas and normal ovaries (.000, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of total epithelial fascin score (.685, p > 0.05) and total stromal fascin score (.572, p > 0.05) between the primary and the secondary surgeries of epithelial ovarian carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the results of stromal fascin expression in 94 epithelial ovarian carcinomas, we hypothesized that cell-matrix interaction was an important step in the progression of malign epithelial ovarian neoplasms. Our study showed that the initial tumorigenic phenotype did not change with time and use of cisplatinum-based combination chemotherapy. Further studies with close follow-up of patients are necessary to reveal the role of fascin on matrix degradation mechanisms which might be the cause of the recurrences in ovarian neoplasms.