Prognostic significance of the expression of MUC1 and collagen type IV in advanced gastric carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Background Scirrhous gastric carcinoma is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen in the stroma. However, the clinical significance of this fibrosis of the stomach has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the fibrotic mechanism in several histological types of gastric carcinoma, and the combination of MUC1 and collagen type IV as a possible predictor of patient survival. Methods One hundred and two paraffin-embedded specimens of gastric carcinoma were examined by immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibodies against collagen type IV and MUC1. Results Collagen type IV-positive expression was significantly associated with depth of wall penetration (P = 0·025) and stage (P = 0·023). There was a significant relationship between MUC1-positive expression and interstitial collagen type IV-positive expression (P = 0·035). Survival was shorter for patients with the combination of MUC1-positive expression and interstitial collagen type IV-negative expression than for those with other expression patterns. Conclusion In patients with differentiated-type advanced gastric carcinoma, the combination of MUC1-positive and interstitial collagen type IV-negative expression may be a marker of unfavourable prognosis.