CXCR7 expression is associated with disease-free and disease-specific survival in cervical cancer patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)7 is involved in tumour development and metastases formation. The aim of the present study was to determine protein expression of CXCR7, its putative co-receptors epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and CXCR4, its predominant ligand CXCL12, their co-dependency and their association with survival in cervical cancer patients.

METHODS:

CXC chemokine receptor 7, EGFR, CXCR4 and CXCL12 expression were determined immunohistochemically in 103 paraffin-embedded, cervical cancers. Subsequently, associations with patient characteristics were assessed and survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

CXC chemokine receptor 7 was expressed by 43% of tumour specimens, in a large majority of cases together with either EGFR or CXCR4 (double positive), or both (triple positive). The CXCR7 expression was associated with tumour size (P=0.013), lymph node metastasis (P=0.001) and EGFR expression (P=0.009). CXC chemokine receptor 7 was independently associated with disease-free survival (hazard ratio (HR)=4.3, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.7-11.0, P=0.002), and strongly associated with disease-specific survival (HR=3.9, 95% CI 1.5-10.2, P=0.005).

CONCLUSION:

CXC chemokine receptor 7 expression predicts poor disease-free and disease-specific survival in cervical cancer patients, and might be a promising new therapeutic marker. In a large majority of cases, CXCR7 is co-expressed with CXCR4 and/or EGFR, supporting the hypothesis that these receptors assist in CXCR7 signal transduction.

• Authors: M Schrevel, R Karim, N T ter Haar, S H van der Burg, J B M Z Trimbos, G J Fleuren, A Gorter, E S Jordanova
• Journal: British journal of cancer (Br J Cancer) Vol. 106 Issue 9 Pg. 1520-5 (Apr 24 2012) ISSN: 1532-1827 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22531719 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• ACKR3 protein, human
• CXCL12 protein, human
• CXCR4 protein, human
• Chemokine CXCL12
• Receptors, CXCR
• Receptors, CXCR4
• EGFR protein, human
• ErbB Receptors

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma (metabolism, mortality, pathology)
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (metabolism, mortality, pathology)
• Cervix Uteri (metabolism, pathology)
• Chemokine CXCL12 (metabolism)
• ErbB Receptors (metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Lymphatic Metastasis
• Middle Aged
• Prognosis
• Receptors, CXCR (metabolism)
• Receptors, CXCR4 (metabolism)
• Survival Rate
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms (metabolism, mortality, pathology)
• Young Adult