Background: Transitional cell carcinoma remains a challenge in the oncology field, representing an ideal candidate for research on biomarkers that could identify patient’s progression and prognosis. D2-40 and CXCL5 have been implicated in progression of many cancers, but their significance in urinary bladder TCC remains unclear. The aim of this study is to assess their possible significance in urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma.
Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression of D2-40 and CXCL5 in 50 cases of urinary bladder TCC and 10 cases of normal urothelium taken as a normal control. Statistical analysis methods were used to evaluate the relationship between D2-40 and CXCL5 and various clinicopathological parameters.
Results: D2-40 was expressed in the lymphatic endothelial cytoplasm of all cases highlightening the tumor emboli in cancer lymphatic vessels. CXCL5 was found to be expressed in all urinary bladder TCC cases but not in normal control. The two markers significantly correlated with associated necrosis, tumor grade, T stage, N stage and presence of H&E detected LVI. CXCL5 was also positively correlated with presence of associated necrosis and CIS while D2-40 was insignificantly correlated with both. D2-40 detected intralymphatic tumor emboli are associated with lymph node metastasis in a highly significant correlation.
Conclusions: The results suggested that CXCL5 might be involved in urinary bladder TCC carcinogenesis. It could be concluded that D2-40 and CXCL5 may have a possible role in urinary bladder TCC progression and prognosis. D2-40 might be considered as a more reliable method in predicting tumor spread and lymph node metastasis.