Constitutive activation of STAT3 and STAT5 is present in the majority of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and correlates with better prognosis
2003

STAT3 and STAT5 Activation in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Sample size: 61 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hsiao J-R, Jin Y-T, Tsai S-T, Shiau A-L, Wu C-L, Su W-C

Primary Institution: National Cheng Kung University Hospital

Hypothesis

Whether expression of constitutively activated STATs affects prognosis after treatment in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

Conclusion

Constitutive activation of STAT5 is an independent factor that predicts better prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after radiotherapy.

Supporting Evidence

  • 70.5% of the NPC specimens showed significant constitutive STAT3 activation.
  • 62.3% of the NPC specimens showed significant constitutive STAT5 activation.
  • Patients with significant constitutive STAT5 activation had better prognosis after treatment.

Takeaway

This study found that many patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma have active STAT3 and STAT5 proteins, and those with active STAT5 tend to do better after treatment.

Methodology

Immunohistochemical methods were used to examine the expression pattern of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 in biopsy specimens.

Limitations

The study may have a small sample size and the results may not be generalizable to all nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

Participant Demographics

49 males and 12 females, all histologically confirmed to have WHO type II or III nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.026

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6601003

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