The Prognostic Value of 14-3-3 Isoforms in Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cases: 14-3-3β and ε Are Independent Prognostic Factors for These Tumors
2011

Prognostic Value of 14-3-3 Isoforms in Vulvar Cancer

Sample size: 298 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Wang Zhihui, Nesland Jahn M., Suo Zhenhe, Trope Claes G., Holm Ruth

Primary Institution: The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

Hypothesis

The expression of 14-3-3 isoforms in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas has clinical significance.

Conclusion

High levels of 14-3-3β and ε are independent predictors of poor disease-specific survival in vulvar cancer patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • High cytoplasmic levels of 14-3-3β and ε were associated with poor disease-specific survival.
  • 79% of tumors showed high levels of 14-3-3β.
  • The study analyzed 298 vulvar squamous cell carcinoma cases.
  • Elevated expression of 14-3-3 isoforms correlated with advanced disease features.

Takeaway

This study found that certain proteins in vulvar cancer can help predict how well patients will do, with higher levels of two specific proteins linked to worse outcomes.

Methodology

Immunohistochemistry was used to examine tumor biopsies from 298 vulvar carcinomas for the expression of various 14-3-3 isoforms.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in tumor classification and patient follow-up.

Limitations

The study is retrospective and may be limited by the cohort's characteristics and treatment history.

Participant Demographics

Median age at diagnosis was 74 years, with a range from 35 to 96 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.007 for 14-3-3β, 0.04 for 14-3-3ε

Confidence Interval

95% CI for 14-3-3β: 1.27–4.60; for 14-3-3ε: 1.36–8.46

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024843

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication