Low H3K9me3 Expression Is Associated With Poor Prognosis in Patients With Distal Common Bile Duct Cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: Histone modification is associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Recent studies have revealed the prognostic value of histone modification; however, its prognostic role in distal bile duct cancer remains unclear.

Patients and methods: We analyzed the expression of H3K9me3, H4K20me3, and H3K36me3 and its correlation with survival outcomes in resected samples from 88 patients with distal bile duct cancer.

Results: Low expression rates of H3K9me3, H4K20me3, and H3K36me3 were significantly associated with poor overall survival (p=0.003, 0.008, and 0.047, respectively) and event-free survival (p=0.03 for H3K9m3). Additionally, low-expression of H3K9me3 was an independent poor prognostic indicator (p<0.001; HR=7.85; 95% CI=2.693-22.883).

Conclusion: H3K9me3 was an independent poor prognostic factor in distal common bile duct cancer. Our results suggest that histone markers are potential prognostic markers and provide better management for patients at risk for an aggressive course of disease.

Keywords: Distal bile duct cancer; histone; methylation.