Maspin, VEGF, and p53 Expression in Small Biopsies of Primary Advanced Lung Cancer

New research from Isparta, Turkey, has investigated the expression of maspin, VEGF, and p53 in patients with squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell lung carcinoma. The study, led by A. Bircan and colleagues from Suleyman Demirel University, aimed to explore the relationship between these markers and clinicopathologic parameters. The findings suggest that maspin expression is higher in non-small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma than in small cell lung carcinoma. Furthermore, the study found correlations between maspin and p53 expressions in adenocarcinoma, and between p53 and VEGF expressions in squamous cell carcinoma.

Key Takeaways:

Maspin expression was detected in 89.3%, 77.8%, and 52.9% of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell lung carcinoma biopsies, respectively.
The rate of maspin expression was significantly higher in non-small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma than in small cell lung carcinoma.
In adenocarcinoma, maspin and p53 expressions were correlated, although not statistically significant (p=0.053, r=0.464).
In squamous cell carcinoma, the stage of disease was positively correlated with p53 (p=0.007, r=0.536) and negatively correlated with VEGF expression (p=0.013, r=?-0.498).
Multivariate analysis demonstrated that stage of disease was a significant independent prognostic parameter in non-small cell lung cancer.
The study concluded that larger scale studies are needed to reveal the exact role of maspin in lung cancer pathogenesis.

Statistics:

Maspin expression was detected in: 89.3% of SCC, 77.8% of AC, and 52.9% of SCLC biopsies.
The rate of maspin expression was significantly higher in: NSCLC (p=0.013), SCC (p=0.021), and AC (vs. SCLC, p=0.038).
The mean percentages of maspin expression were significantly higher in: NSCLC (p=0.0001), SCC (p=0.0001), and AC (vs. SCLC, p=0.038).
In ACs, maspin positive cases had a significantly higher T status compared to negative cases (p=0.036).
In SCC, the stage of disease was positively correlated with p53 (p=0.007, r=0.536) and negatively correlated with VEGF expression (p=0.013, r=?-0.498).

Sources:

Bircan, A., et al. (2010). Maspin, VEGF and p53 expression in small biopsies of primary advanced lung cancer and relationship with clinicopathologic parameters. Pathology Oncology Research, 16(4), 553-561.
Suleyman Demirel University, Department of Pulmonary Medicine.