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Topoisomerase II alpha expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
1Department of Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan. y-ohhashi@patholo2.med.tohoku.ac.jp
Anticancer Research
|September 2, 1999
Summary
DNA topoisomerase II alpha (topo II alpha) is overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, correlating with aggressive tumor behavior. The T/K ratio, indicating relative topo II alpha levels, predicts worse prognosis in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- DNA topoisomerase II alpha (topo II alpha) is crucial for cell proliferation in mammalian cells.
- Overexpression of topo II alpha is observed in various human malignancies, suggesting a role in cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of topo II alpha in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
- To correlate topo II alpha expression, using the T/K ratio, with clinicopathological features and patient outcomes in ESCC.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of topo II alpha and Ki67 expression in 136 ESCC cases, 10 dysplasia foci, and 10 normal epithelia.
- Calculation of labeling indices (LI) for topo II alpha and Ki67, and the topo II alpha LI/Ki67 LI (T/K ratio).
- Correlation of T/K ratio with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between topo II alpha and Ki67 LIs.
- Topo II alpha LI and T/K ratio were significantly higher in ESCC compared to normal epithelium.
- A higher T/K ratio (>0.8) in ESCC cases was associated with lymph node metastasis, advanced histological stage, and significantly worse prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Increased T/K ratio in ESCC suggests dysregulation or qualitative alteration of topo II alpha, potentially linked to malignancy.
- Topo II alpha overexpression, indicated by the T/K ratio, may correlate with aggressive biological behavior and poorer prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
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