Expression of tumor suppressor gene PTEN in human gastric carcinoma and its clinical significance

Objective To investigate the expression of tumor suppressor gene PTEN in gastric carcinoma in relation to biological behavior of tumor and prognosis. Methods PTEN expression was determined by immunohistochemistry technique at protein level in 106 patients with gastric carcinoma. Results Of the 106 patients,72(67.9%) were positive for PTEN expression,among whom 15(14.1%) showed weak PTEN positivity and 57(53.8%) strong PTEN positivity. PTEN expression level was correlated with depth of tumor invasion,histological grade,TNM stage ( P 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the 3 and 5 year overall survival rate in the positive PTEN expression group was 48.6%,37.5% and in the negative group that was 32.4%,11.8%,respectively. There was no significant difference in these two groups ( P =0.0721). On multivariate analysis by Cox regression model,PTEN expression level was not of independent prognostic significance. Conclusion These data suggest the PTEN expression may contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of gastric carcinoma. PTEN may not be an independent prognostic indicator in patients with gastric carcinoma.