Combined mRNA expression levels of members of the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system correlate with disease-associated survival of soft-tissue sarcoma patients
2011

mRNA Levels of uPA System Components and Survival in Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

Sample size: 78 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kotzsch Matthias, Magdolen Viktor, Greither Thomas, Kappler Matthias, Bache Matthias, Lautenschläger Christine, Füssel Susanne, Eckert Alexander W, Luther Thomas, Baretton Gustavo, Würl Peter, Taubert Helge

Primary Institution: Institute of Pathology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany

Hypothesis

The mRNA expression levels of components of the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system correlate with clinical parameters and disease-associated survival in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) patients.

Conclusion

High mRNA levels of PAI-1 and uPAR-del4/5 are associated with a significantly increased risk of tumor-related death in STS patients with complete tumor resection.

Supporting Evidence

  • High PAI-1 and uPAR-del4/5 mRNA levels were associated with higher tumor grade.
  • Patients with high PAI-1 and uPAR-del4/5 expression had a 19-fold increased risk of tumor-related death.
  • Elevated mRNA levels of PAI-1 and uPAR-del4/5 were significantly associated with clinical parameters.

Takeaway

This study found that certain markers in tumor tissue can help predict how long patients with soft-tissue sarcoma might live after surgery.

Methodology

The mRNA expression levels of uPA, PAI-1, uPAR, and uPAR-del4/5 were analyzed in tumor tissue from 78 STS patients using quantitative PCR.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be generalizable due to the specific cohort and the focus on mRNA levels rather than protein levels.

Participant Demographics

Median age of patients was 59 years, with a range from 22 to 83 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P = 0.044

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 1.1-335.3

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-11-273

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