A retrospective review of the prognostic value of ALDH-1, Bmi-1 and nanog stem cell markers in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Cheng Cheng Hwang, Shin Nieh, Chien Hong Lai, Chien Sheng Tsai, Liang Che Chang, Chung Ching Hua, Wen Ying Chi, Hui Ping Chien, Chih Wei Wang, Siu Cheung Chan, Tsan Yu Hsieh, Jim Ray Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stem cell markers are upregulated in various cancers and have potential as prognostic indicators. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of three stem cell markers, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH-1), B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi-1), and Nanog, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of ALDH-1, Bmi-1, and Nanog in ESCC tissues from 41 patients who received pre-operative chemoradiation. We evaluated the relationship between expression of these markers, and clinicopathological features, tumor regression grade (TRG), and 5-year overall survival (OS). There were no significant associations of ALDH-1 or Bmi-1 expression with age, gender, clinical stage, and treatments (p>0.05). However, patients with Nanog-positive tumors were significantly older than those whose tumors were Nanog-negative (p = 0.033). TRG after treatment was significantly associated with expression of ALDH-1 (p = 0.001), Bmi-1 (p = 0.004), and Nanog (p<0.001). Although OS was significantly better in patients with low TRGs (p = 0.001), there were no significant correlations between ALDH-1, Bmi-1, or Nanog with OS. Expression of ALDH-1, Bmi-1, and Nanog correlated with TRG, but not OS. Further large studies are necessary to fully elucidate the prognostic value of these stem cell markers for ESCC patients.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere105676
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume9
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 08 2014
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A retrospective review of the prognostic value of ALDH-1, Bmi-1 and nanog stem cell markers in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this