Podoplanin Expression as a Prognostic Factor in Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Several recent studies have suggested that podoplanin (PDPN) expression correlates with malignant potential in various types of cancers. We investigated the expression pattern of PDPN and its clinical significance in gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed the immunohistochemical expression of PDPN in 91 gastric cancer tissues of patients who underwent curative surgery and evaluated the relationship between the expression levels and clinicopathological factors.

RESULTS: The tumor cells themselves revealed no expression of PDPN. However, PDPN was expressed in spindle-shaped stromal cells surrounding tumors in certain cases. PDPN-positive stromal cells significantly correlated with a larger tumor, advanced T- and N-stages, and lymphatic and vascular invasion. Multivariate analysis indicated that PDPN expression in spindle-shaped stromal cells (p=0.030) as well as N-stage (p=0.023) are independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated the PDPN expression in spindle-shaped stromal cells of patients with gastric cancers has a prognostic significance. Intensive chemotherapy and close follow-up should be recommended for these patients.