Abstract 438: Hif-2α expression and radioresistance of cervical cancer

ABSTRACT Objective: Hypoxia is now established as a key factor influencing the pathophysiology of malignant growth. Hypoxia-induced changes in gene expression are coordinated mainly by the hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1α) and HIF-2α. The aim of this study was to determine whether HIF-2α expression is associated with survival and response to radiation in cervical cancer. Methods: After reviewing the medical records of 119 patients treated in our institution by primary radiotherapy for stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer, we performed a case-control study. Cases (n = 12) were selected from patients with local recurrence or radiation failure after primary radiation therapy with or without concurrent chemoradiation. For each case, we selected two controls from patients who showed no local recurrence. Using pretreatment paraffin-embedded tissues, we evaluated expression of HIF-2α by immunohistochemistry. Staining was scored based on intensity (Intensity Score (IS) 0- 3) and proportion (Proportion Score (PS) 0-100). Results were analyzed by Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results: HIF-2α expression representing degree of hypoxia has a relationship with poor response to radiotherapy. Conclusion: HIF-2α expression may have an important role in radioresistance in locally advanced cervical cancer. Key Words: Cervical neoplasm, Radiation, HIF-2α, Survival, Hypoxia Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 438.