uPAR mRNA as a Marker for Metastasis in Gastric Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Kita Y, Fukagawa T, Mimori K, Kosaka Y, Ishikawa K, Aikou T, Natsugoe S, Sasako M, Mori M
Primary Institution: National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan
Hypothesis
The expression level of uPAR mRNA in peripheral blood and bone marrow can serve as a prognostic marker for metastasis in gastric cancer patients.
Conclusion
The study found that uPAR mRNA expression in peripheral blood is a significant independent prognostic factor for distant metastasis in gastric cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- uPAR mRNA expression in bone marrow and peripheral blood was significantly higher in gastric cancer patients compared to normal controls.
- uPAR expression in peripheral blood was found to be an independent prognostic factor for distant metastasis.
- Multivariate analysis indicated that high uPAR expression in peripheral blood was associated with a higher risk of distant metastasis.
Takeaway
This study shows that measuring a specific marker in the blood can help doctors find out which stomach cancer patients are at higher risk of their cancer spreading.
Methodology
The study used quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) to assess uPAR mRNA expression in bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from gastric cancer patients.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of patients and the methods used for detecting uPAR expression.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential confounding factors influencing metastasis.
Participant Demographics
The study included 846 gastric cancer patients, with 567 males and 279 females, average age 61.5 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI; 1.08–3.23
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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