Nm23 expression in node-positive and node-negative endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships between the expression of protein Nm23 and surgical stage, histologic grade, histopathologic findings, and survival in women with endometrial carcinoma. METHODS: 19 patients with lymph node involvement were matched with 24 patients without lymph node involvement and the best paraffin-embedded blocks were selected for Nm23 immunohistochemical staining. The slides were evaluated semiquantitatively according to their degree of cytoplasmic staining. Statistical analysis was performed to determine whether there was a relationship between Nm23 expression and surgical stage, histologic grade, depth of myometrial invasion, lymph node metastasis, and/or lymphovascular space involvement. Survival analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Slides from 15 patients (79%) with lymph node involvement and 22 patients (88%) without lymph node involvement were found to be positive for Nm23 (P=0.01). No significant relations were observed between Nm23 expression and surgical stage, histologic grade, depth of myometrial invasion, or lymphovascular space involvement. Nm23 expression was found to be significantly related to lower rates of lymph node metastasis and longer survival (P=0.02). CONCLUSION: Elevated Nm23 expression is related to lower rates of lymph node metastasis and longer survival.