title: HIF-1alpha mRNA is not associated with histopathological regression following neoadjuvant chemoradiation in esophageal cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) expression was reported to be associated with tumor growth, progression and resistance to radio-/chemotherapy. Whether HIF-1alpha mRNA or protein expression is associated with histomorphological response or prognosis following neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery in resectable, locally-advanced esophageal cancer was analyzed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-three patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, 36 Gy) followed by transthoracic en bloc esophagectomy. HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In squamous cell carcinoma, HIF-1alpha mRNA expression was significantly higher than in paired normal epithelium (p < 0.001). Normal squamous epithelium showed significant elevated expression in adenocarcinomas, suggesting a field effect (p < 0.04). HIF-1alpha protein expression showed a significant regulation following chemoradiation. Neither HIF-1alpha mRNA nor protein expression was associated with histomorphological regression or prognosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HIF-1alpha mRNA expression is differentially upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared to adenocarcinomas, but does not predict tumor regression or prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Frederike C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Leimbach
authors.forename: Stephan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Baldus
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Buechel
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neiss
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brabender
authors.forename: Uta
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Drebber
authors.forename: Hans P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Dienes
authors.forename: Rolf P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: Arnulf H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Hoelscher
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Schneider
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: C497442:HIF1A protein, human; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; D012333:RNA, Messenger