Immunohistochemical analysis of beta-catenin expression: a probable prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in renal cell carcinoma

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15386/mpr-1767

Keywords:

renal cell carcinoma, neoplasm, beta-catenin, immunohistochemistry, chemotherapy

Abstract

Background and aims. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) seems to be the most aggressive type of genitourinary neoplasm. Down regulation of normal beta-catenin expression contributes to development of RCC, reflecting the role of beta-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway in pathogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the significance of beta-catenin expression and its correlation with the prognostic parameters.

Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a tertiary care center on 58 RCC cases using variables like histological grade and type, tumor stage, necrosis. Formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks were evaluated for beta-catenin expression by immunohistochemistry using scoring system. Data were analyzed by mean ± SD, χ2 test, Pearson’s correlation test.

Results. Membranous score (MS) had a strong negative correlation with tumor stage (r = -0.407, p = 0.044) and grade (r = -0.787, p = <0.001). Mean membranous score difference between low (Stage 1 and 2) vs. high stage (Stage 3 and 4) and low (Grade 1 and 2) vs. high grade (Grade 3 and 4) was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmic score (CS) had positive correlation with tumor stage (r = 0.586; p = 0.002). No significant correlation was evident between cytoplasmic scores and tumor grade, however the mean cytoplasmic score difference between low grade vs. high grade was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion. Beta-catenin may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RCC and has a positive correlation with the biological behavior of this tumor. The important role of beta-catenin as a prognostic parameter and probably a critical evaluator of targeted chemotherapy cannot be overemphasized.

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Published

2021-01-22

How to Cite

1.
Kundu A, Sen A, Choudhury S, Mandal TK, Guha D, Lahiry S. Immunohistochemical analysis of beta-catenin expression: a probable prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in renal cell carcinoma. Med Pharm Rep [Internet]. 2021 Jan. 22 [cited 2025 Oct. 3];94(1):65-72. Available from: https://medpharmareports.com/index.php/mpr/article/view/1767

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Original Research