HIF-1alpha mRNA is not associated with histopathological regression following neoadjuvant chemoradiation in esophageal cancer.
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.
Ling
Frederike C
FC
Department of Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
Leimbach
Nadine
N
Baldus
Stephan E
SE
Buechel
Sandra
S
Neiss
Susanne
S
Brabender
Jan
J
Drebber
Uta
U
Dienes
Hans P
HP
Mueller
Rolf P
RP
Hoelscher
Arnulf H
AH
Schneider
Paul M
PM
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*
C497442:HIF1A protein, human; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; D012333:RNA, Messenger