Correlation of clusterin with pancreatic endocrine tumors' size and stage.

Abstract

291 Background: Clusterin, a ubiquitous multifunctional cytoplasmic and secretory sulfated glycoprotein (sCLU), plays a role in prevention of apoptosis and it is overexpressed in a variety of tumors. The role of sCLU in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PET) has not been investigated. In this study sCLU expression was evaluated in a subset of PET, and the results were correlated with the clinical pathological features of the tumors. Methods: sCLU expression was immunohistochemically evaluated in 106 cases of PET using the avidin-biotin-complex method and the tissue microarray analysis technology. The immunohistochemical reactions were qualitatively and semiquantitatively evaluated by 2 pathologists. Results: Strong sCLU reactivity was identified in 36/65 (51%) PETs. In 23/65 (35%) cases the sCLU score was 3 or less. sCLU expression scores significantly correlated with tumor size (p-value= 0.03) and with tumor stage (p-value= 0.02). The IHC score index did not correlate with tumor grade (p= 0.15). Conclusions: We report the novel expression of sCLU in PET. The correlation of sCLU with PET size and stage involves this molecule in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumorigenesis. sCLU may represent a new target of therapy for PET. No significant financial relationships to disclose.