Aurora kinases as prognostic biomarkers in ovarian carcinoma

Hum Pathol. 2009 May;40(5):631-8. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2008.10.011. Epub 2009 Jan 20.

Abstract

We investigated the expression of Aurora kinases A and B by immunohistochemistry in 68 ovarian carcinomas to analyze their prognostic value. The amplification of AURKA gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization was also assessed. Overall, 58.8% and 85.3% of ovarian carcinomas showed expression of Aurora A and B, respectively. Amplification of AURKA was found in 27.6% of cases examined. Tumors with Aurora A expression showed a lower rate of recurrence than those tumors without Aurora A expression (65% versus 91.7%, P = .019). In the univariate analysis, patients with Aurora A and B expression showed an increased progression-free survival (P = .023 and .06, respectively, log-rank test) and overall survival (P = .03 and .02, respectively, log-rank test). The multivariate analysis adjusted to optimal surgery by Cox proportional hazards regression showed Aurora A expression as an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (P = .03) and overall survival (P = .02). In conclusion, Aurora A expression seems to have a prognostic value in ovarian carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aurora Kinase A
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Gene Amplification
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / mortality
  • Prognosis
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / biosynthesis*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Tissue Array Analysis
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • AURKA protein, human
  • Aurora Kinase A
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases