Analysis of biomarker expression in severe endometriosis and determination of possibilities for targeted intraoperative imaging

Liseth L. van den Berg, van den Berg LL, Crane LM, Lucia M A Crane, van Oosten M, Marleen van Oosten, van Dam GM, Gooitzen M. van Dam, Arnold Simons, Arnold H M Simons, Simons AH, H. Sijbrand Hofker, Hofker HS, Joost Bart
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics · 2013 · vol. 121(1) , pp. 35–40 · doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.10.025 · PMID:23332132 · W2139706470
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This study evaluated seven biomarkers in endometriotic tissue and found EpCAM, FR-α, and VEGF-A to be the most promising for targeted intraoperative imaging.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of biomarkers in endometriotic tissue in order to determine the most promising molecules for targeted intraoperative imaging. METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from 18 patients with endometriosis. The intensity and pattern of expression of the following biomarkers were assessed by immunohistochemistry: C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), estrogen receptor (ER), folate receptor α (FR-α), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α), progesterone receptor (PR), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). The Target Selection Criteria scoring system was used to select the most promising biomarkers for intraoperative imaging. RESULTS: Expression of CXCR4, EpCAM, ER, PR, and VEGF-A was scored as strong in endometriotic epithelium. Expression of FR-α was detected in 94.4% of samples, whereas HIF-1α was expressed in just 5.6% of samples. Of note, CXCR4, ER, and VEGF-A were also expressed in surrounding healthy tissue, thus reducing the target-to-background ratio. CONCLUSION: Of the 7 biomarkers assessed in the present study, EpCAM, FR-α, and VEGF-A seem the most promising for targeted intraoperative imaging of endometriosis.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Antigens, Neoplasm Cell Adhesion Molecules Endometriosis Folate Receptor 1 Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A Adult Antigens, Neoplasm Biomarkers Biomarkers Cell Adhesion Molecules Endometriosis Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule Female Folate Receptor 1 Gene Expression Humans Immunohistochemistry Monitoring, Intraoperative Monitoring, Intraoperative Severity of Illness Index

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