Expression of RFC/SLC19A1 is Associated with Tumor Type in Bladder Cancer Patients
2011

RFC Expression in Bladder Cancer

Sample size: 44 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Abdel-Haleem Alyaa M., El-Zeiry Maha I., Mahran Laila G., Abou-Aisha Khaled, Rady Mona H., Rohde Jan, Mostageer Marwa, Spahn-Langguth Hilde

Primary Institution: German University in Cairo

Hypothesis

The study aims to compare the mRNA expression level of RFC/SLC19A1 in different types of bladder carcinomas.

Conclusion

Increased RFC mRNA expression is associated with urothelial bladder carcinomas and may predict response to antifolate chemotherapy.

Supporting Evidence

  • RFC mRNA levels were significantly higher in bladder tumors compared to normal tissue.
  • Urothelial tumors showed a 14-fold increase in RFC expression compared to non-urothelial tumors.
  • RFC expression was not associated with tumor grade or stage.

Takeaway

This study found that a specific gene related to folate transport is more active in a common type of bladder cancer, which might help doctors choose better treatments.

Methodology

The study used RT-qPCR to quantify RFC mRNA levels in bladder cancer specimens from patients.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the exclusion of specimens based on RNA integrity.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and excluded some specimens based on RNA quality.

Participant Demographics

The study included 44 bladder cancer patients, 31 males and 11 females, aged 31 to 79.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021820

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