c-Myc protein expression is not an independent prognostic predictor in cervical squamous cell carcinoma

• Published in: Brazilian journal of medical and biological research 2002-04, Vol.35 (4), p.425-430
• Main Authors: Brenna, S M F, Zeferino, L C, Pinto, G A, Souza, R A, Andrade, L A L, Vassalo, J, Martinez, E Z, Syrjanen, K J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; BIOLOGY; Biomarkers, Tumor - analysis; c-myc; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - metabolism; Cervical cancer; Cohort Studies; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL; Middle Aged; Oncogene; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc - analysis; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - metabolism
• ISSN: 0100-879X; 1414-431X; 0100-879X; 1414-431X
• DOI: 10.1590/S0100-879X2002000400003

The c-myc protein is known to regulate the cell cycle, and its down-regulation can lead to cell death by apoptosis. The role of c-myc protein as an independent prognostic determinant in cervical cancer is controversial. In the present study, a cohort of 220 Brazilian women (mean age 53.4 years) with FIGO stage I, II and III (21, 28 and 51%, respectively) cervical squamous cell carcinomas was analyzed for c-myc protein expression using immunohistochemistry. The disease-free survival and relapse-rate were analyzed using univariate (Kaplan-Meier) survival analysis for 116 women who completed the standard FIGO treatment and were followed up for 5 years. Positive c-myc staining was detected in 40% of carcinomas, 29% being grade 1, 9% grade 2, and 2% grade 3. The distribution of positive c-myc according to FIGO stage was 19% (17 women) in stage I, 33% (29) in stage II, and 48% (43) in stage III of disease. During the 60-month follow-up, disease-free survival in univariate (Kaplan-Meier) survival analysis (116 women) was lower for women with c-myc-positive tumors, i.e., 60.5, 47.5 and 36.6% at 12, 36, and 60 months, respectively (not significant). The present data suggest that immunohistochemical demonstration of c-myc does not possess any prognostic value independent of FIGO stage, and as such is unlikely to be a useful prognostic marker in cervical squamous cell carcinoma.