Clinical significance of nm23 gene expression in gastric cancer
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Published on: September 18, 2020
Stefan P Mönig1, Brit Nolden, Thomas Lübke
1Department of Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany. stefan.moenig@uk-koeln.de
Background:
The expression of the nm23 gene has been associated with the development of metastasis. Numerous studies have shown down-regulation of nm23 expression in metastatic breast and colon cancer. The expression of the putative metastasis-suppressor gene nm23 in gastric carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was the analysis of nm23 expression in a large series of gastric cancer patients.
Patients And Methods:
In a retrospective immunohistochemical study specimens obtained from 116 gastric cancer patients (mean age 64 years; range: 33-85) who had undergone gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy were analyzed. Nm23 expression in the tumor epithelium was studied by immunohistochemistry followed by a semi-quantitative (score 0-3) evaluation. Statistical analysis including Chi-square test, uni- and multivariate survival analyses were performed.
Results:
The nm23 staining pattern was positive (score 2-3) in 100 (86.2%) specimens and negative (score 0-1) in 16 (13.8%) samples. Lymph node metastasis was found in 65% of the patients. No significant correlations could be determined between nm23 expression and other variables such as gender, age, tumor differentiation, WHO-, Laurén-, Goseki-, or Ming-classification. The intensity of nm23 staining in the tumor cells was not significantly correlated with depth of tumor infiltration (T-stage), lymph node metastasis (N-stage), distant metastasis (M-stage), UICC-stage, or prognosis.
Conclusion:
Our series did not show a correlation of nm23 expression in terms of lymph node and distant metastasis or prognosis in gastric cancer patients.
