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Thymidine phosphorylase expression in endometrial carcinomas.
E Sivridis1, A Giatromanolaki, M I Koukourakis
1Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece. pathlab@users.duth.gr
Clinical & Experimental Metastasis
|January 29, 2000
Summary
Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is expressed in endometrial carcinoma stroma and at the tumor front, not cancer cells. High TP activity in these areas correlates with tumor invasion and progression, suggesting it promotes disease advancement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is recognized as a potent angiogenic molecule.
- TP influences endothelial cell migration and proliferation.
- Its role in endometrial carcinoma requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) expression in endometrial carcinomas.
- To correlate TP expression with histopathological parameters, p53, bcl-2, and angiogenesis.
- To determine TP's prognostic significance in endometrial cancer.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of TP expression in 156 endometrial carcinomas.
- Assessment of histopathological parameters, p53, bcl-2, and microvessel density (MVD).
- Statistical analysis to correlate TP expression with clinicopathological and molecular factors.
Main Results:
- TP expression was observed in cancer cells, stromal fibroblasts, and myometrial cells.
- Cancer cell TP reactivity was limited; stromal fibroblast and tumor front TP reactivity was frequent.
- High TP reactivity at the tumor front correlated with adverse prognostic parameters and tumor invasion.
Conclusions:
- TP is not a major angiogenic factor in endometrial carcinomas.
- Prominent TP activity at the invading tumor front may promote tumor invasion and progression.
- TP's role appears linked to tumor invasion rather than angiogenesis in this context.