Claudin-4 in ovarian cancer and its relation to platinum compounds resistance

Abstract

Abstract Background Claudin-4, a component of the tight junction, plays an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis of ovarian cancer, but its role in platinum resistance has not been elucidated. Aim of the work To determine the presence of claudin-4 in ovarian cancer tissues in relation to platinum compounds resistance. Patients and methods Patients with advanced ovarian malignancy (FIGO stages III and IV) that have undergone primary surgery for maximal cytoreduction, followed by first line chemotherapy with platinum compounds and paclitaxel, were followed up for 6 months to determine chemotherapeutic response. Claudin-4 expression in ovarian cancer tissue resected from the patients surgically was evaluated immunohistochemically. Results Claudin-4 is associated with more aggressive behavior of ovarian tumors and the advanced stage of the tumors. High expression of claudin-4 was found in high grade tumors, of the papillary serous subtype. High expression is linked to chemotherapeutic resistance, whereas low expression is associated with good response to first line chemotherapy. Conclusion High claudin-4 expression can predict poor chemotherapeutic response in advanced ovarian cancer.