Eph and ephrin genes in ovarian cancer and survival
Author Information
Author(s): Herath Nirmitha I, Spanevello Mark D, Sabesan Sabe, Newton Tanya, Cummings Margaret, Duffy Shannon, Lincoln Douglas, Boyle Glen, Parsons Peter G, Boyd Andrew W
Primary Institution: University of Queensland, Australia
Hypothesis
Increased expression of Eph and ephrin genes correlates with tumor progression and survival in ovarian cancer.
Conclusion
Higher levels of ephrins A1 and A5 are associated with poorer survival in ovarian cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- EphA1 and EphA2 were over-expressed in a significant proportion of tumors.
- Ephrin A1 and A5 expression correlated with poor survival.
- No significant correlation was found between survival and other clinical parameters.
Takeaway
This study found that certain genes related to cell signaling are more active in ovarian cancer, and when they are, patients tend to live shorter lives.
Methodology
Gene expression was measured using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and survival analysis was performed using log-rank analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves.
Limitations
The study could not correlate mRNA levels with protein expression due to the lack of suitable antibodies for immunohistochemistry.
Participant Demographics
All participants were women with advanced ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal carcinoma, predominantly with poorly differentiated serous papillary adenocarcinoma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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