Prognostic Role of Invasion-Related Extracellular Matrix Molecules in Diffusely Infiltrating Grade 2 and 3...

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• IDH-mutant astrocytoma is a prevalent primary brain tumor.
• Complete surgical removal is often hindered by tumor cell infiltration via extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression patterns of ECM molecules across different prognostic groups of WHO grade 2 and 3 astrocytoma.
• To evaluate the impact of onco-radiotherapy on tumor cell invasion in grade 3 astrocytoma.

Main Methods:

• Gene expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).
• Protein expression analysis via immunohistochemistry.
• Assessment of ECM molecule expression in relation to prognostic groups and treatment effects.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in mRNA expression of HMMR, IDH-1, MKI-67, PDGF-A, and versican were observed in grade 2 tumors.
• Integrin α-3 mRNA expression differed significantly in grade 3 tumors and in both grades.
• Integrin αV protein expression showed significant changes only in the prognostic groups of grade 2 tumors.

Conclusions:

• The study identified an invasion spectrum in grade 2 astrocytoma with 87.5% sensitivity and 88.9% negative predictive value based on gene and protein expression.
• Standard oncotherapeutic modalities demonstrated limited anti-invasive effects on grade 3 astrocytoma.