SFRP4 gene expression is increased in aggressive prostate cancer

Area of Science:

• Molecular oncology
• Cancer biomarkers
• Prostate cancer research

Background:

• Distinguishing indolent from aggressive prostate cancer is crucial for effective patient management.
• Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) is implicated in the Wnt pathway and may indicate prostate cancer aggressiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and validate the association between SFRP4 gene expression and prostate cancer aggressiveness.
• To assess SFRP4 as a potential biomarker for predicting recurrence and metastasis.

Main Methods:

• Differential gene expression analysis and meta-analysis across nine independent cohorts (n=2157).
• Analysis of SFRP4 expression in relation to Grade Group, biochemical recurrence, and metastatic events.
• Correlation analysis with metabolic biomarkers (citrate and spermine) and immunohistochemistry validation.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher SFRP4 expression in prostate cancer versus normal tissue and in high-grade versus low-grade tumors.
• SFRP4 expression predicted biochemical recurrence in multiple cohorts and overall meta-analysis.
• SFRP4 expression correlated with citrate and spermine levels; immunohistochemistry showed no association with aggressiveness.

Conclusions:

• Elevated SFRP4 gene expression is linked to high Grade Group and recurrent prostate cancer post-surgery.
• SFRP4 warrants further investigation for its mechanistic role and clinical utility in prostate cancer management.