Prognostic value of hyaluronidase-1 and CD44 immunohistological expression in gastric cancer

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Although many studies have investigated molecular markers for gastric cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis remain obscure. CD44 serves as the principal transmembrane hyaluronate receptor. HAS1 has been identified as a key contributor to oncogenesis and disease progression in both hematological and solid cancers HAS1 has been shown to be prognostic factor in a variety of other cancers. Aim Our aim was to evaluate the expression of the CD44 and HAS1 as prognostic indicators for gastric cancer. Methodology Seventy five cases of gastritis and gastric cancer, obtained from the archives of Pathology Departments of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) – Giza, Egypt, including eleven case with gastritis and sixty four cases of gastric cancer. Detailed histopathological assessment was done as well as immunohistochemical staining for CD44 and HAS1. Results Our results showed increased expression of both HAS1 &CD44 with increasing grades and stages as well lymph node metastasis of gastric carcinoma. No significant difference was noticed in their expression between H.pylori associated and non-associated gastritis. Conclusion We concluded that modulation of HAS1/ CD44 expression is of significant prognostic value in gastric cancer and could be a major target for the anticancer and chemo-preventive agents.