The significance of immune-regulatory molecule B7-H4 in small cell lung cancer.

Annals of Palliative Medicine
Xiuqin ZhangWeiguo Xie

Abstract

B7-H4, a member of the B7 family, is detected in various cancers and is closely related to tumor development and prognosis. However, little is known about the clinical value of B7-H4 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out on 103 SCLC specimens. The relationship between B7-H4 staining and the major clinical parameters of SCLC was analyzed, and the two-year survival rates were investigated by chi-square test. Only 5.83% of the SCLC specimens tested positive for B7-H4. B7-H4 was detected on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. In contrast, B7-H4 expression was not detected in normal lung tissue samples. B7-H4 was not found to be associated with major clinical parameters, such as tumor size, gender, age, smoking status, limited/extensive stage, tumor node metastasis, Karnofsky Performance Status, lymph node metastasis status, distant metastasis, or ki-67. Moreover, no obvious differences were observed in the two-year survival rates of B7-H4 positive or B7-H4-negative SCLC patients. There is no correlation between B7-H4 expression and the proliferation or progression of SCLC. Therefore, B7-H4 is not a useful biomarker for SCLC prognosis.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.