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Decreased stromal expression and increased epithelial expression of WFDC1/ps20 in prostate cancer is associated with reduced recurrence‐free survival
Author(s) -
McAlhany Stephanie J.,
Ayala Gustavo E.,
Frolov Anna,
Ressler Steven J.,
Wheeler Thomas M.,
Watson J.E. Vivienne,
Collins Colin,
Rowley David R.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the prostate
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.295
H-Index - 123
eISSN - 1097-0045
pISSN - 0270-4137
DOI - 10.1002/pros.20085
Subject(s) - stromal cell , prostate cancer , tissue microarray , immunohistochemistry , prostate , medicine , pathology , cancer research , oncology , cancer
BACKGROUND WAP‐type four disulfide core (WFDC1)/ps20 is a member of the whey acidic protein family, which includes several serine protease inhibitors. Expression of WFDC1/ps20 was previously demonstrated in the normal human prostate stromal compartment. To further current understanding of the role of WFDC1/ps20 in prostate cancer, altered expression of WFDC1/ps20 protein in prostate cancer was evaluated. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining for WFDC1/ps20 was performed using tissue microarrays. Quantitation was based on the percentage of positive‐staining stromal or epithelial cells and staining intensity. Resulting data was analyzed relative to the recurrence‐free survival data and additional information for this patient set. RESULTS Decreased stromal expression of WFDC1/ps20 predicted shorter recurrence‐free survival time by univariate analysis. Decreased stromal WFDC1/ps20 expression correlated with higher radical prostatectomy Gleason scores, positive surgical margins, extracapsular extension, higher clinical stage, and higher preoperative prostate specific antigen levels. Increased epithelial expression of WFDC1/ps20 also predicted shorter recurrence‐free survival times by univariate analysis. Increased epithelial expression of WFDC1/ps20 correlated with higher biopsy and radical prostatectomy Gleason scores, and higher clinical stage. CONCLUSIONS Decreased stromal WFDC1/ps20 expression reflects the evolution of a prostate cancer reactive stroma, while increased epithelial WFDC1/ps20 expression may indicate progression to a more aggressive epithelial phenotype and may indicate an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Further evaluation of WFDC1/ps20 biologic functions will aid in the understanding of this interesting expression profile. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.