The Role of Snail in Ovarian Cancer Survival
Author Information
Author(s): Blechschmidt K, Sassen S, Schmalfeldt B, Schuster T, Höfler H, Becker K-F
Primary Institution: Technical University of Munich
Hypothesis
The transcription factor Snail is associated with E-cadherin downregulation and cancer progression in ovarian carcinomas.
Conclusion
The study found that Snail expression is associated with lower overall survival in ovarian cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Reduced E-cadherin expression in primary ovarian cancer was significantly associated with shorter overall survival.
- Positive Snail expression in corresponding metastases was correlated with reduced overall survival.
- Patients with reduced E-cadherin and positive Snail expression had a significantly higher risk of death.
Takeaway
This study shows that a protein called Snail can make ovarian cancer worse, leading to shorter survival for patients.
Methodology
The study analyzed 48 primary ovarian tumors and corresponding metastases for E-cadherin and Snail expression using immunohistochemistry.
Limitations
The study is based on a limited number of patients and retrospective data.
Participant Demographics
Patients were diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer, with a median age of 63 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.008
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 5.8–30.0 for reduced E-cadherin expression
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website