Prognostic Impacts of Angiopoietins in NSCLC Tumor Cells and Stroma
Author Information
Author(s): Sigve Andersen, Tom Donnem, Khalid Al-Shibli, Samer Al-Saad, Helge Stenvold, Lill-Tove Busund, Roy M. Bremnes, Marianne Koritzinsky
Primary Institution: Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway
Hypothesis
This study evaluates the prognostic impact of all known human angiopoietins and their relation to the prognostic expression of VEGF-A.
Conclusion
Only the expression of the angiopoietin Ang-4 in tumor cells had an impact on NSCLC survival, while Ang-2 and Ang-4 expression in stroma were independently associated with improved survival.
Supporting Evidence
- Low tumor cell expression of Ang-4 was associated with poor survival.
- Low stromal expressions of Ang-4 and Ang-2 were independently associated with poor prognosis.
- High tumor cell expression of VEGF-A was a poor prognosticator in patients with high Ang-2 expression.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain proteins in lung cancer cells and surrounding tissue can help predict how well patients will do. It found that one protein, Ang-4, is important for survival.
Methodology
335 unselected stage I-IIIA NSCLC patients were included, and tissue samples were collected in tissue microarrays. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of markers.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the retrospective nature of the study and the selection criteria for included patients.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may have selection bias due to the exclusion of patients with inadequate tissue samples or prior treatments.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 67 years, 76% were male, and 95% were current or former smokers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.02–2.11
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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