Prognostic Value of α-Catenin in Prostate Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Aaltomaa S, Lipponen P, Ala-Opas M, Eskelinen M, Kosma V-M
Primary Institution: Kuopio University Hospital
Hypothesis
The study investigates the significance of α-catenin expression in prostate cancer prognosis.
Conclusion
Down-regulation of α-catenin is related to several malignant cellular features and has prognostic significance in early prostate cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- α-Catenin expression was down-regulated in 19% of the cases.
- 3% of the tumors were totally α-catenin-negative.
- Abnormal α-catenin expression was significantly linked with high T-category and metastatic disease.
- Reduced α-catenin expression was related to unfavourable patient outcomes.
Takeaway
This study found that lower levels of a protein called α-catenin in prostate cancer can mean the cancer is more likely to get worse.
Methodology
The study analyzed 215 prostate cancer cases using immunohistochemistry and related the results to prognostic factors and patient survival over 13 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.06 for reduced α-catenin expression; P = 0.04 for cytoplasmic signal
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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