Significance of Galectin-3 Expression in Pulmonary Non-Small Cell Carcinoma.
- Author:
Dong Hoon SHIN
1
;
Chang Hun LEE
;
Hyun Jung KANG
;
Mee Young SOL
;
Min Ki LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Pathology, Pusan National Universty, College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. cnlee@pusan.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Non small cell lung carcinoma;
Galectin 3
- MeSH:
Adenocarcinoma;
Apoptosis;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell;
Cytoplasm;
Galectin 3*;
Lung;
Prognosis;
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
- From:Korean Journal of Pathology
2006;40(5):326-332
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Non-small cell carcinoma (NSCC) has become the leading cause of cancer related death around the world. However, its prognostic factors remain poorly defined. Galectin-3 is an apoptosis related protein and its relationship with various cancers is presently the subject of research. This study was performed to investigate galectin-3 expression in NSCC and its value as a prognostic factor. METHODS: We examined the expression of galectin-3 and bcl-2 in surgically resected, lung NSCC, including 61 squamous cell carcinomas and 41 adenocarcinomas. PCNA staining was also performed. RESULTS: Each type of carcinoma showed cytoplasmic positivity in 18 (30.0%) and 25 (61.0%) cases, respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma showed increased galectin-3 expression in better differentiated tumors, whereas adenocarcinoma didn't show any relationship with the degree of differentiation. The cytoplasmic positivity of galectin-3 in both types of carcinoma was associated with poor prognosis. Bcl-2 expression didn't show any significant relationship with overall survival. Galectin-3 and bcl-2 expressions were positively correlated. However, co-expression of both proteins was not related to prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that galectin-3 expression in NSCC warrants attention as a possible prognostic factor.
