Expression of survivin mRNA in gallbladder cancer: a diagnostic and prognostic marker?

Abstract

Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis, has been shown to be expressed in various malignancies. However, its role in gallbladder cancer (GBC) has not been evaluated yet. We investigated its expression in peripheral blood of patients with gallbladder diseases (gallstone disease (GSD), n = 30; GBC, n = 39) and compared with healthy controls (n = 25). Survivin expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters, diagnosis, and prognosis of patients with GBC. Expression of survivin messenger RNA (mRNA) in blood was evaluated by real-time PCR. Significantly higher (P < 0.0001) expression of survivin mRNA was observed in GBC (2.2-fold) and GSD (1.52-fold) as compared to control. In GBC, increased survivin expression was significantly associated with higher tumor stage (stage III vs. stage II; P < 0.0001) and tumor differentiation (poor and moderate vs. well differentiated; P < 0.0001). No significant correlation was observed with any of the other clinicopathological parameters (age, gender, and presence or absence of gallstones) studied. Cutoff value of survivin mRNA relative quantification (RQ) was 1.08, with a sensitivity of 98.55 % and specificity of 100 % for the diseased group (GSD or GBC). RQ value of 1.71 differentiated GBC from GSD with a sensitivity of 89.74 % and specificity of 100 %. Increased expression of survivin was associated with a shorter median overall survival (12 vs. 18 months) in GBC patients. Differential expression of survivin in GBC suggests its possible role and association with poor prognosis. Expression of survivin in peripheral blood could be useful both in the diagnosis and prognosis of GBC.

RNA sequencing reveals differentially expressed genes as potential diagnostic and prognostic indicators of gallbladder carcinoma

“…Furthermore, Survivin is involved in the promotion of angiogenesis, which is necessary for tumor progression and expansion, by inhibiting apoptosis of endothelial cells. Recently, it has already been considered as a new diagnostic and prognostic marker of GBC [ 15 ]. As for TK1 , thymidine kinase 1, its diagnostic and prognostic role of TK1 has recently been widely investigated.…”

Protein phosphatase PHLPP induces cell apoptosis and exerts anticancer activity by inhibiting Survivin phosphorylation and nuclear export in gallbladder cancer

“…High expression of Survivin in cancer patients is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic indicator. By inhibiting apoptosis and promoting cell cycle progression, high expression of Survivin enhances GBC invasion and metastasis [ 26 ]. The function of Survivin is relevant to its intracellular localization and phosphorylation status.…”

Casticin induces apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in gallbladder cancer cells

“…Diagnostic and prognostic markers for this malignancy have not been extensively studied, and, due to lack of conspicuous symptoms and physical signs, the majority of patients are diagnosed at an advanced and incurable stage [2, 3]. Moreover, GBC is resistant to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, surgical resection is the only potentially effective treatment for GBC [4, 5].…”