[Analysis of N-E cadherin switch as an independent predictive parameter of bladder cancer survival outcomes]

To explore the expression patterns of cadherins (N-cadherin and E-cadherin) in urothelial carcinomas and understand the values of N-E cadherin switch in the predictions of postoperative recurrence and prognosis.

The expressions of N-cadherin and E-cadherin were measured by immunohistochemistry in 64 transurethral bladder tumor resection (TURBT) or partial cystectomy samples (48 cases) in 2005 by the method of streptavidin-biotin peroxidase.

A positive expression of N-cadherin and a negative expression of E-cadherin were noted in 27 (42.2%) and 16 (25.0%) specimens respectively. Patients with more poorly differentiated bladder cancer were accompanied with a higher expression of N-cadherin and a lower expression of E-cadherin (both P < 0.05). A positive expression of N-cadherin decreased the recurrence-free and cancer-related survival rates while a negative expression of E-cadherin was correlated with a lower cancer-related survival rate (all P < 0.05). No significant association was found between the expression of E-cadherin and the recurrence-free survival rate. Furthermore, the N-E cadherin switch (a negative expression of E-cadherin and a positive expression of N-cadherin) showed a higher predictive power in both recurrence-free and cancer-related survival according to multivariate analysis (HR = 0.428, 95%CI: 0.217 - 0.845, HR = 0.098, 95%CI: 0.013 - 0.767). No significant association was found between the expressions of two cadherins and postoperative progression.

Although the expressions of E-cadherin and N-cadherin appear to be correlated with survival outcomes in bladder cancer, N-E cadherin switch may be a better predicator for postoperative recurrence and cancer-related survival.