Survivin Expression in Renal Epithelial Tumors: It's Usage in the Differential Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Renal Epithelial Tumors

Abstract

Objective: The differential diagnosis of renal tumors can be problematic due to overlapping morphologic features. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential contribution of survivin expression in the differential diagnosis and determination of therapy modalities of these tumors. Methods: This study consisted of 15 chromophobe (ChRCC), 15 clear cell (CCRCC) and 9 papillary (PRCC) renal cell carcinomas, and 13 oncocytomas. Sections were stained against survivin antibody. Results: PRCCs and CCRCCs showed diffuse and strong survivin expression. Survivin expression was strikingly prominent in type1 PRCCs and cystic CCRCCs. In CCRCCs, survivin expression was more pronounced in low grade areas than high grade and sarcomatoid areas. In ChRCC, survivin expression was more limited and weaker than that of oncocytomas and other malignant renal tumors. In non-neoplastic renal tissue, survivin expression was more pronounced in podocytes and atrophic tubules than other nephron parts. Conclusions: Our results suggested that survivin may helpful in the differential diagnosis of renal tumors despite limited number of our cases. Experimental studies have revealed that inhibition of survivin induces apoptosis and enhance radiosensitivity of RCC cells. Taken together, to be known the proportion of survivin expression in subtypes of renal tumors may contribute to determine new therapeutic strategies for RCCs. This needs to be proven in more wide series.