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Differential expression of TIM-3 between primary and metastatic sites in renal cell carcinoma

Xingming Zhang1,2, Xiaoxue Yin3, Haoran Zhang1,2

  • 1Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.

BMC Cancer
|January 12, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Differential expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) was observed between primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). TIM-3 expression in metastatic sites provides more accurate prognostic information for patients with RCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exhibits significant heterogeneity, potentially leading to differential immune checkpoint expression between primary and metastatic tumors.
  • Evaluating T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) expression differences is crucial for understanding RCC progression and treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differential expression of TIM-3 between primary and metastatic sites in renal cell carcinoma.
  • To assess the prognostic value of TIM-3 expression in both primary and metastatic RCC.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 163 RCC cases with metastases resected or biopsied.
  • Immunohistochemical assessment of TIM-3 expression.
  • Statistical analysis using SPSS, GraphPad Prism, and R software.

Main Results:

  • TIM-3 was detected in 56.4% of cases, with a numerically higher rate in primary tumors (53.0%) than in metastases (42.6%).
  • A statistically significant difference in TIM-3 expression was found between primary and metastatic sites (p=0.002), with poor concordance (Kappa=0.331).
  • TIM-3 expression in both primary and metastatic tumors was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and improved predictive accuracy for survival models.

Conclusions:

  • Significant differences in TIM-3 expression exist between primary and metastatic RCC.
  • Analysis of metastatic sites may offer more accurate biological information for clinical decision-making and prognosis.
  • The role of TIM-3 in RCC warrants further investigation due to controversial findings.
Keywords:
Differential expressionMetastasesPrimary tumorRenal cell carcinomaTIM-3

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