Prognostic role of pigment epithelium-derived factor in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) tissues.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated the expression of PEDF and its correlation with clinicopathological features in 203 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for CCRCC. Expression of PEDF and CD34-positive vessels (microvessel density, MVD) in tumor samples was examined by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between PEDF expression and clinicopathologic features including tumor diameter, MVD, and survival was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Of 203 patients, 116 cases (57.1%) were positive for PEDF. A significant association was found between PEDF expression and high MVD (p = 0.012). PEDF expression was inversely correlated with grade (p = 0.004) and pT stage (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model indicated that PEDF expression was an independent favorable prognostic factor (risk ratio, 4.105; p = 0.001). However, no significant correlation was found between PEDF expression and age, gender, tumor diameter or lymph node invasion.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that PEDF may be a favorable prognostic indicator in patients with CCRCC.