Semaphorin, neuropilin and VEGF expression in glial tumours: SEMA3G, a prognostic marker?
2008

Prognostic Markers in Adult Gliomas

Sample size: 38 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Karayan-Tapon L, Wager M, Guilhot J, Levillain P, Marquant C, Clarhaut J, Potiron V, Roche J

Primary Institution: Université de Poitiers

Hypothesis

The study investigates the expression of semaphorins and their potential as prognostic markers in adult gliomas.

Conclusion

Higher expressions of SEMA3B, SEMA3G, and NRP2 are associated with prolonged survival in adult patients with glial tumors.

Supporting Evidence

  • SEMA3B and SEMA3G expressions were related to prolonged survival.
  • VEGF expression correlated with higher grade and poor survival.
  • SEMA3D expression was reduced in high-grade gliomas.

Takeaway

This study looks at how certain proteins in brain tumors can help predict how long patients might live after diagnosis.

Methodology

The study analyzed mRNA expression of class-3 semaphorins, VEGF, and neuropilins in tumor samples using quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the lack of normal tissue controls and reliance on mRNA expression data.

Limitations

The study did not include normal brain tissue for comparison, and mRNA expression may not correlate with protein levels.

Participant Demographics

The study included 38 adult patients, with 11 low-grade and 27 high-grade gliomas.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.002 for NRP2, p=0.012 for VEGF, p=0.029 for SEMA3B, p=0.016 for SEMA3G

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 3–14 for SEMA3B, 95% CI: 11–25 for SEMA3G

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604641

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication