Ephrin B expression in epithelial ovarian neoplasms correlates with tumor differentiation and angiogenesis - PubMed (original) (raw)

Ephrin B expression in epithelial ovarian neoplasms correlates with tumor differentiation and angiogenesis

Josep Castellvi et al. Hum Pathol. 2006 Jul.

Abstract

Differential gene expression studies are identifying new sets of genes with a role in the classification, differential diagnosis, and prognosis of some human tumors. Ephrin B1, a factor involved in angiogenesis, has been shown to be up-regulated in ovarian carcinomas, making it a potential target for cancer treatment. This study investigates ephrin B expression in ovarian tumors to validate results from gene expression studies and evaluates its significance with a clinical-pathological correlation. Specimens from 112 benign, borderline, and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors were examined. Tissue microarrays were constructed, and ephrin B expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. To correlate ephrin B expression with angiogenesis, CD31 immunostaining was performed to assess microvessel density. Ephrin B was detected in 50% of ovarian tumors: clear cell carcinomas (93%), serous carcinomas (74%), mucinous carcinomas (29%), and endometrioid carcinomas (27%). High-grade carcinomas showed greatest ephrin B expression, whereas benign tumors and low-grade carcinomas were rarely positive. A correlation was found between ephrin B expression and microvessel density, supporting the angiogenic role of this factor in ovarian carcinomas. Ephrin B expression was associated with higher rates of disease recurrence and a decrease in overall survival. A distinctive pattern of ephrin B expression was observed in ovarian tumors: high-grade tumors and clear cell and serous carcinomas show higher expression, correlating with the aggressiveness. On the other hand, ephrin B expression correlated with microvessel density of the tumors. Because Eph receptors and ephrins are targets for new therapeutic inhibitors, this pattern of ephrin B expression should be considered in future clinical studies.

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