Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung compared with other histotypes shows higher messenger RNA and protein levels for thymidylate synthase

摘要: BACKGROUND. In patients with cancer, one of the main mechanism resistance to antimetabolite drugs is related higher levels thymidylate synthase (TS) activity. METHODS. To investigate association between TS expression and histopathologic data, 56 resection specimens from nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) were collected consecutively. messenger RNA (mRNA) was evaluated in tumor by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis; protein immunohistochemistry (IHC) formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens; analysis transcriptional regulation activity performed PCR snap-frozen normal specimens. RESULTS. The amplification gene FFPE tissues obtained all samples, a median level (unit-less ratio) 1.45 (range, 0.34–5.24); whereas positive status at IHC (>10% cells) detected 56% samples. It noteworthy that significantly squamous compared adenocarcinoma when both mRNA (2.17 vs. 1.16; P < .0001) (P = .0269) considered specimens, strong observed .00017). Moreover, high-grade tumors .0389 .0068 for quantification, respectively). The samples revealed up-regulated strongly 3.8 × 10−12), an 8-fold increase (as cut-off value) ratio corresponding tissue 32 (57%) bearing preferentially .0022) .001). CONCLUSIONS. Data current study consistently indicated carcinomas. This information may be useful selecting which NSCLC should receive treatment TS-inhibiting agents. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Society.