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Over-expression of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin is associated with poor survival in oesophageal

Margriet J D Prins1, Roy J J Verhage, Jelle P Ruurda

  • 1Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Journal of Clinical Pathology
|November 20, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) overexpression in esophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is linked to poorer survival. This study assessed p-mTOR expression and its prognostic value in OAC patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial in cell growth and survival.
  • Phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in various cancers.
  • p-mTOR expression has not been previously evaluated in esophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of p-mTOR in OAC.
  • To determine the prognostic significance of p-mTOR in OAC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Tumor tissue microarrays from 154 OAC patients were analyzed.
  • Immunohistochemistry was used to assess p-mTOR staining intensity.
  • Scoring criteria were based on staining intensity.

Main Results:

  • p-mTOR overexpression was detected in 19.7% of OAC tumors.
  • p-mTOR overexpression was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (p=0.042).
  • Median survival was shorter in patients with p-mTOR overexpression (21.2 months vs. 29.0 months).

Conclusions:

  • p-mTOR overexpression is present in a subset of OAC patients.
  • p-mTOR overexpression serves as a prognostic marker for poor survival in OAC.

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