IMMUNOEXPRESSION OF DEK AND PHOSPHO-P38 PROTEINS IN RECTAL CANCER BEFORE CHEMORADIATION THERAPY.
Rebeca De Barros Tadokoro1,2, Leonardo Cardili2, Ricardo Artigiani Neto2
1UNIFESP-EPM, Departamento de Medicina, Disciplina de Gastroenterologia, Setor de Oncologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Arquivos De Gastroenterologia
|September 14, 2022
Summary
DEK oncogene expression in rectal cancer correlates with advanced stages and poorer survival. Negative DEK protein expression before neoadjuvant therapy indicates a better prognosis for patients with rectal adenocarcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Colorectal cancer is a leading global cause of mortality, with rectal cancer comprising a significant portion.
- The DEK oncogene plays a role in nuclear processes and is implicated in accelerating tumor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immunoexpression of DEK and Phospho-P38 proteins in rectal adenocarcinoma patients prior to neoadjuvant therapy.
- To correlate protein expression with clinical response and patient survival outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate DEK and Phospho-P38 expression in tumor biopsy tissues from rectal adenocarcinoma patients.
- A HScore system quantified protein expression, with scores ≥4 considered positive and <4 negative.
Main Results:
- DEK protein expression positively correlated with advanced pTNM stage (P=0.011).
- Patients with negative DEK expression (HScore <4) demonstrated significantly longer mean survival (141.33 months) compared to those with positive expression (25.10 months; P<0.001).
- Phospho-P38 protein expression did not correlate with clinical parameters or survival.
Conclusions:
- Elevated DEK expression is associated with more advanced stages of rectal cancer.
- Negative DEK expression (<4 HScore) before neoadjuvant therapy is a significant indicator of a better prognosis and longer survival in rectal adenocarcinoma patients.
