Differential Regulation of VEGF and CA9 in Bladder Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Turner K J, Crew J P, Wykoff C C, Watson P H, Poulsom R, Pastorek J, Ratcliffe P J, Cranston D, Harris A L
Primary Institution: ICRF Molecular Oncology Laboratory and Angiogenesis Group, Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
Hypothesis
Regulation by hypoxia may underlie the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in bladder cancer.
Conclusion
The study suggests that expression of VEGF in bladder tumors is determined by tumor hypoxia and may be mediated via the HIF pathway.
Supporting Evidence
- VEGF mRNA was expressed most strongly on the luminal surface of bladder tumors.
- CA IX expression was greater in superficial than invasive tumors.
- Expression of both factors was predominantly on the luminal surface and around areas of necrosis in invasive tumors.
- VEGF but not CA IX was predictive of time to recurrence and risk of stage progression in superficial bladder tumors.
Takeaway
This study looked at how two important proteins, VEGF and CA9, behave in bladder cancer, finding that they are affected by low oxygen levels in different ways.
Methodology
The study used in situ hybridization and immunochemistry to analyze the expression of VEGF mRNA and CA IX in bladder cancer samples.
Limitations
The study did not find significant associations between CA IX staining and clinical outcomes in superficial bladder cancer.
Participant Demographics
The study included 22 cases of bladder cancer and additional samples from normal bladders and cases of carcinoma in situ.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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