Tumour Cell Activity Markers in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): C.W.E. Redman, C. Finn, K. Ward, K. Kelly, E.J. Buxton, R. Varma, W. Shortland-Webb, D.M. Luesley
Primary Institution: University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
Elevated levels of cGMP represent increased tumour cell activity and have independent prognostic value.
Conclusion
Increased tumour cell activity, reflected by elevated cGMP and PI values, has some adverse prognostic significance, but is less relevant than FIGO stage and postoperative tumour bulk.
Supporting Evidence
- 64% response rate in patients with evaluable disease.
- Median survival of the study population was 27 months.
- Significant association between cGMP and PI.
- PI was significantly higher in aneuploid tumours.
- Stage and residual disease were the most important prognostic factors.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain markers in ovarian cancer can show how active the cancer cells are, but they found that these markers aren't as helpful as knowing the stage of the cancer.
Methodology
The study analyzed the correlation between nuclear ploidy and the proliferative index (PI) with pre-treatment urinary cGMP in 40 EOC patients using flow cytometry.
Limitations
The study was limited by the relatively small number of patients studied.
Participant Demographics
The study group comprised 40 patients with histologically proven EOC, primarily with advanced disease (28 FIGO III/IV).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
95% confidence limits 20-34
Statistical Significance
p=0.02
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website