- Significance of Galectin-3 Expression in Pulmonary Non-Small Cell Carcinoma.
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Dong Hoon Shin, Chang Hun Lee, Hyun Jung Kang, Mee Young Sol, Min Ki Lee
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Korean J Pathol. 2006;40(5):326-332.
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 Abstract
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- BACKGROUND
Non-small cell carcinoma (NSCC) has become the leading cause of cancer related death around the world.
However, its prognostic factors remain poorly defined.
Galectin-3 is an apoptosis related protein and its relationship with various cancers is presently the subject of research. This study was performed to investigate galectin-3 expression in NSCC and its value as a prognostic factor. METHODS: We examined the expression of galectin-3 and bcl-2 in surgically resected, lung NSCC, including 61 squamous cell carcinomas and 41 adenocarcinomas. PCNA staining was also performed. RESULTS: Each type of carcinoma showed cytoplasmic positivity in 18 (30.0%) and 25 (61.0%) cases, respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma showed increased galectin-3 expression in better differentiated tumors, whereas adenocarcinoma didn't show any relationship with the degree of differentiation. The cytoplasmic positivity of galectin-3 in both types of carcinoma was associated with poor prognosis. Bcl-2 expression didn't show any significant relationship with overall survival.
Galectin-3 and bcl-2 expressions were positively correlated.
However, co-expression of both proteins was not related to prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that galectin-3 expression in NSCC warrants attention as a possible prognostic factor.
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