Prognostic value of metastin expression in human pancreatic cancer
2009

Metastin Expression in Pancreatic Cancer

Sample size: 53 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nagai Kazuyuki, Doi Ryuichiro, Katagiri Fumihiko, Ito Tatsuo, Kida Atsushi, Koizumi Masayuki, Masui Toshihiko, Kawaguchi Yoshiya, Tomita Kenji, Oishi Shinya, Fujii Nobutaka, Uemoto Shinji

Primary Institution: Kyoto University

Hypothesis

High levels of KiSS-1 and GPR54 expression could be associated with better survival of pancreatic cancer patients.

Conclusion

Strong expression of metastin and GPR54 by pancreatic cancer is associated with longer survival.

Supporting Evidence

  • Tumors that were negative for both metastin and GPR54 expression were significantly larger than those positive for either.
  • Recurrence was less frequent in patients with metastin-positive tumors compared to those with metastin-negative tumors.
  • Strong expression of metastin and GPR54 was significantly correlated with longer survival.
  • Metastin expression was an independent prognostic factor for longer survival.

Takeaway

This study found that a protein called metastin can help pancreatic cancer patients live longer. If tumors have more metastin, patients tend to do better.

Methodology

Immunohistochemical expression of metastin and GPR54 was evaluated in pancreatic cancer tissues from 53 patients, and plasma metastin levels were measured in 23 patients.

Limitations

The study had a limited sample size and follow-up period.

Participant Demographics

25 men (47.2%) and 28 women (52.8%) with a mean age of 65.6 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.02

Confidence Interval

95% confidence interval, 1.1–4.7

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-9966-28-9

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