FAK overexpression is correlated with tumour invasiveness and lymph node metastasis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
2003

FAK Overexpression and Oesophageal Cancer

Sample size: 91 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Miyazaki T, Kato H, Nakajima M, Sohda M, Fukai Y, Masuda N, Manda R, Fukuchi M, Tsukada K, Kuwano H

Primary Institution: Gunma University Faculty of Medicine

Hypothesis

The study aims to determine the relationship between FAK overexpression and clinicopathological factors in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Conclusion

FAK overexpression is related to poorer prognosis in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Supporting Evidence

  • FAK overexpression was detected in 54 of the 91 patients (59.3%).
  • Patients with FAK overexpression had a mean 5-year survival rate of 38%, compared to 69% for those without.
  • Significant correlations were found between FAK overexpression and depth of tumour invasion, lymph node metastasis, and disease stage.

Takeaway

This study found that when a protein called FAK is overexpressed in oesophageal cancer, it can make the cancer more aggressive and lead to worse outcomes for patients.

Methodology

The study used immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting to investigate FAK expression in tissue samples and cell lines.

Limitations

The study did not establish FAK overexpression as an independent prognostic factor.

Participant Demographics

The study included 91 patients (77 men and 14 women) aged 40-78 years, with a mean age of 61.0 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0026

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6601050

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