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FGF8 isoform b expression in human prostate cancer.
V J Gnanapragasam1, M C Robinson, C Marsh
1Prostate Research Group, School of Surgical Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK. V.J.Gnanapragasm@ncl.ac.uk
British Journal of Cancer
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF8b) expression increases with prostate cancer stage and grade. Immunodetection of FGF8b shows potential as a prognostic marker for prostate cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Urology
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) mRNA overexpression is noted in prostate cancer.
- The FGF8b isoform is implicated as a key player in prostate cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic value of fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF8b) immunodetection in archival prostate cancer specimens.
- To correlate FGF8b expression with clinical parameters, including cancer stage and histological grade.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect FGF8b expression in prostate cancer tissues from transurethral resections and radical prostatectomies.
- Fluorescent in situ hybridization was employed to assess FGF8 gene copy number.
Main Results:
- FGF8b was not detected in benign prostate tissues but showed localized expression in malignant epithelium.
- FGF8b expression significantly correlated with advanced tumor stage (T3-T4) and higher Gleason scores (grade 8-10).
- FGF8 gene copy number was similar in benign and malignant prostate cells, suggesting overexpression is not due to gene amplification.
Conclusions:
- FGF8b immunoreactivity is significantly associated with adverse prognostic factors in prostate cancer.
- FGF8b shows promise as a potential prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer.
- Further multicenter studies are warranted to validate FGF8b as a prognostic marker.