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Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development
Published on: October 30, 2013
Transitional cell carcinoma express vitamin D receptors
1Department of Urology, Herlev University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
Recently, vitamin D analogues have shown antineoplastic effect in several diseases. Vitamin D analogues exert its effect by interacting with the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Studies of VDR in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) have not been reported. The purpose of the present study was therefore to examine whether human bladder tumor cells express VDR. Tumor biopsies were obtained from 26 patients with TCC. Expression of VDR was examined by immunohistochemical experiments. All tumors expressed VDR. Biopsies from advanced disease contained more VDR positive cells than low stage disease (p < 0.05). Similarly, also tumor grade appeared to be related to the number of cells expressing the receptor. Normal urothlium also expressed VDR but only with low intensity. Our study shows that TCC cells possess the VDR receptor which may make them capable to respond to stimulation with vitamin D, but functional studies of vitamin D's effect on TCC cells in vitro are necessary before the efficacy of treatment with vitamin D analogues in TCC can be evaluated in patients.
Insights
Human bladder tumor cells express the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Higher VDR levels correlate with advanced transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), suggesting potential therapeutic roles for vitamin D analogues.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Urology
Background:
- Vitamin D analogues demonstrate antineoplastic effects in various diseases.
- Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is the mediator of vitamin D analogue actions.
- Limited research exists on VDR expression in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of VDR in human bladder tumor cells (TCC).
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of VDR expression in tumor biopsies from 26 TCC patients.
- Correlation of VDR expression with tumor stage and grade.
Main Results:
- VDR was expressed in all examined TCC tumors.
- Advanced stage TCC exhibited higher VDR-positive cell counts compared to low-stage disease (p < 0.05).
- Tumor grade also showed a relationship with the number of VDR-expressing cells.
Conclusions:
- TCC cells express VDR, indicating potential responsiveness to vitamin D analogue therapy.
- Further in vitro studies are required to assess the functional impact of vitamin D on TCC cells.
- Clinical efficacy of vitamin D analogues in TCC treatment necessitates further investigation.
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