DNA topoisomerase IIalpha expression in optic pathway gliomas of childhood.
DNA topoisomerase IIalpha (Topo IIalpha) is linked to tumour cell growth and chemoresistance. We examined immunohistochemically Topo IIalpha expression levels in a series of 36 consecutive paediatric optic pathway glioma (OPG) patients. Topo IIalpha labelling index (LI) ranged from 0.0 to 11.6 and was significantly associated with patient age, with higher levels of Topo IIalpha in children < or = 3 years (P=0.031). Topo IIalpha expression did not correlate with patient survival. Topo IIalpha LI was not significantly increased in specimens of repeat surgery. Topo IIalpha LI closely correlated with MIB-1 LI (R=0.781, P<0.001). We conclude that Topo IIalpha expression correlates with tumour cell proliferation in paediatric OPGs. Assessment of cell proliferation, however, does not assist in refining prognostic predictions. Enhanced Topo IIalpha expression in children < or = 3.0 years suggests that Topo IIalpha-interfering anticancer compounds for adjuvant treatment of OPGs may be of particular benefit to young children.
Bredel
M
M
Institute of Neurology, University of Vienna, AKH 4J, Wahringer Gurtel 18-20, A-1097, Vienna, Austria.
Slavc
I
I
Birner
P
P
Czech
T
T
Haberler
C
C
Ströbel
T
T
Wolfsberger
S
S
Budka
H
H
Hainfellner
J A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004250:DNA Topoisomerases, Type II / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D020339:Optic Nerve Glioma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D004250:DNA Topoisomerases, Type II