Correlation between GP-170 expression, prognosis, and chemoresistance of superficial bladder carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To study GP-170 in superficial bladder cancer at initial diagnosis and at recurrence and to evaluate if intravesical chemoprophylaxis modifies the expression of GP-170 in tumor recurrences.


METHODS
GP-170 was retrospectively assessed in 160 patients affected by primary superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and followed for up to 10 years. Eighty-four patients (52.5%) recurred after transurethral resection (TUR). Adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy after TUR was adopted in 52 patients. The correlations between GP-170 and G-grade, T-category, risk of recurrence and of progression, and adoption of adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy were investigated. The correlations between variations in grade and stage at recurrence and modifications in GP-170 expression were also studied.


RESULTS
No significant correlation between GP-170 expression and G-grade and T-category was found. A significant correlation was detected between GP-170 expression and recurrence ( P=0.0383). It showed a biphasic pattern, i.e., tumors that did not express GP-170 had a higher recurrence rate, but high GP-170 levels were also associated with an increasing risk of recurrence. Intravesical chemotherapy did not induce significative variations in GP-170 expression. No correlation was found between progression and GP-170.


CONCLUSIONS
GP-170 seems to be an independent prognostic factor for recurrence in superficial bladder tumors. A negative GP-170 pattern and high levels of GP-170 are associated with an increasing risk of recurrence but have no impact upon progression. In our experience, GP-170 is neither induced nor modified by intravesical chemotherapy, although it might represent a factor of chemoresistance when strongly expressed.
Serretta
Vincenzo
V
Section of Urology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular and Nephro-Urological Diseases, University of Palermo, Via Malaspina 136, 90145, Palermo, Italy. vserretta@libero.it
Pavone
Carlo
C
Allegro
Rosalinda
R
Vella
Marco
M
Sanguedolce
Rosario
R
Porcasi
Rossana
R
Morello
Vincenza
V
Tomasino
Rosa Maria
RM
Pavone-Macaluso
Michele
M
D020168:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / Q000032:analysis*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D018432:Drug Resistance, Multiple; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D019450:Genes, MDR / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery
D020168:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1