Galectin-8 and -9 as prognostic factors for cervical cancer

Aims Galectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with multiple effects on cell biology. Research shows that they play an important role in tumor development and progression. In this study we examined the influence of Galectin-8 and -9 expression as histopathological markers on the survival of patients with cervical cancer.

Material and methods Gal-8 and -9 expression was investigated in 250 cervical cancer samples by immunohistochemistry. The staining was evaluated by using the immunoreactive score and the results were correlated to clinical-pathological data. The impact of Gal-8 and -9 expression on the overall- and relapse-free survival was analyzed.

Results Staining of Gal-8 was associated with low T-status (p= 0.008) and negative N-status (p= 0.006), while expression in squamous-epithelial-cancer (SCC) correlated to low FIGO status (p= 0.016) and grading (p= 0.020). Detection of Gal-9 was related to negative N-status (p= 0.012) and low FIGO stage (p= 0.009) regarding all specimens. A correlation of Gal-9 with low grading was only detected for adenocarcinomas (p= 0.047). Gal-8 determined the relapse-free survival of SCC patients in a positive manner (p= 0.030). Gal-9 expression served as a prognostic marker for better overall (p= 0.003) and relapse-free survival (p = 0.037).

Conclusion Our results suggest that expression of both galectins is inversely associated with tumor stage and progression. Further studies are necessary in order to analyze the use of Gal-8 and Gal-9 as potential markers in the daily clinical life.

Funding Internal departmental funding.