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Rationale for folate receptor alpha targeted therapy in “high risk” endometrial carcinomas
Author(s) -
Brown Jones Monica,
Neuper Christina,
Clayton Amy,
Mariani Andrea,
Konecny Gottfried,
Thomas M. Bijoy,
Keeney Gary,
Hartmann Lynn,
Podratz Karl C.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.23686
Subject(s) - endometrial cancer , medicine , targeted therapy , oncology , histology , tissue microarray , carcinoma , stage (stratigraphy) , immunohistochemistry , folate receptor , cancer , staining , pathology , biology , cancer cell , paleontology
Advanced and recurrent endometrial cancers account for the majority of deaths from this disease with limited therapeutic options. High grade, and nonendometrioid histology, pathologically characterize the endometrial tumors associated with adverse outcome and are classified as “high risk”. The identification of molecular prognostic factors that might be targeted for therapy among “high risk” endometrial cancers is an active area of investigation. We hypothesize that the FRα, highly expressed in endometrial cancer cells, is a potential target for this disease. Our objectives were to determine if FRα overexpression is associated with adverse prognostic factors and worse outcome. Three hundred and thirty‐two endometrial cancer cores were arrayed onto a tissue microarray and stained using a FRα‐specific monoclonal antibody. Staining was scored as absent or weak and moderate or strong. Forty‐one percent of 310 evaluable cases stained moderate/strong. Moderate/strong FRα staining was significantly associated with other poor prognostic factors including: advanced stage, nonendometrioid histology and high grade. An association was observed between moderate/strong FRα staining and recurrence ( p < 0.0014). These findings support further exploring a role for FRα targeted approaches for therapy and diagnostics in endometrial cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.