Role of molecular markers in glioblastoma patients of Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Background Glioma is the most common primary brain malignancy with a largely unknown pathogenesis, although complex genetic abnormalities are thought to contribute to disease development. Several independent studies have investigated the expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), p53 and Cyclin D1 in gliomas. However, conflicting evidence exists for expression and prognostic significance of these markers in glioma. Furthermore, no work relating to these genes has been performed on the glioma population of Pakistan. Our objective was to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of molecular markers p53, EGFR, COX-2 and Cyclin D1 in glioma in the Pakistani population. Methods Immunohistochemistry of markers p53, EGFR, COX-2 and Cyclin D1 was performed on 100 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of patients diagnosed and treated atAga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Expression was correlated with patient clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival. Results The prevalence of expression of Cyclin D1, EGFR, COX-2, and p53 was 57%, 52%, 54% and 39%, respectively. p53 and EGFR expression were positively correlated with younger and older age respectively. Chi squared test revealed a significant association between EGFR and Cyclin D1, with EGFR expression decreasing with increasing strength of Cyclin D1 staining. Only patient age was found to be a significant predictor for overall survival. Conclusions There is a relatively low prevalence of COX-2 and EGFR in the Pakistani population as compared to published literature. We also observed a correlation between EGFR and Cyclin D1 expression. The use of these biomarkers as targets for personalized therapies is worth investigating in the Pakistani population. Legal entity responsible for the study Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. Funding University Research Council, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.