Activated p38-MAPK and gemcitabine sensitivity in recurrent ovarian cancer
Klotz, R.; Zeimet, A.G.; Reimer, D.; Müller-Holzner, E.; Chamson, M.; Marth, C.
Anticancer Research 28(5b): 2975-2980
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 19031942 Document Number: 620316
Our study aimed to investigate if p38-MAPK determined in primary ovarian cancer can serve as a predictive marker for sensitivity to gemcitabine treatment in recurrent disease. Activated (phosphorylated) p38-MAPK was immunohistochemically assessed in paraffin-embedded tumors obtained at primary debulking surgery from 45 patients treated with gemcitabine for platinum-resistant recurrence. The value of activated p38-MAPK in predicting sensitivity to gemcitabine treatment was statistically evaluated. Activated p38-MAPK was demonstrated in all healthy ovaries and all ovarian carcinomas examined. In controls, the median histological score (H-score) for activated p38-MAPK staining was 200, while in ovarian cancer the median H-score was 100. Activity of p38-MAPK in ovarian cancer tissue was not associated with overall response or survival after gemcitabine chemotherapy. P38-MAPK activity, determined by immunohistochemistry in ovarian cancer specimens obtained at primary diagnosis, cannot serve as a predictive marker for sensitivity to gemcitabine treatment in platinum-resistant disease.