Published online Jan 14, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i2.469
Peer-review started: August 26, 2021
First decision: September 29, 2021
Revised: October 8, 2021
Accepted: November 29, 2021
Article in press: November 29, 2021
Published online: January 14, 2022
A gastric stromal tumor (GST) is a mesenchymal tumor that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract; its biological characteristics are highly complex. Clinically, the severity of a GST is often evaluated by factors such as risk classification, tumor size, and mitotic figures. However, these indicators are not very accurate. Even patients classified as low risk are also at risk of metastasis and recurrence. Therefore, more accurate and objective clinical biological behavior evaluations are urgently needed.
To determine the relationship between Ki-67 and CD44 expression in GSTs and microvessel formation and prognosis.
Eighty-six GST tissue specimens from our hospital were selected for this study. The immunohistochemical staining technique was used to detect Ki-67, CD44, and microvessel density (MVD) in the collected samples to analyze the different risk grades and mitotic figures. In addition, this approach was used to determine the differences in the expression of Ki-67 and CD44 in GST tissues with varying lesion diameters.
In GSTs with positive expression of the Ki-67 protein, the proportions of patients with medium-to-high risk and more than five mitotic counts were 24.07% and 38.89%, respectively. In GSTs with positive expression of the CD44 protein, the proportions of patients with medium-to-high risk and more than five mitotic counts were 23.73% and 38.98%, respectively. In GSTs with negative expression of the Ki-67 protein, these values were relatively high (3.70% and 11.11%, respectively). The MVD in GSTs with positive and negative expression of the CD44 protein was 15.92 ± 2.94 and 13.86 ± 2.98/Hp, respectively; the difference between the two groups was significant (P < 0.05).
Ki-67 and CD44 expression in GSTs is correlated with the grade of tumor risk and mitotic figures. CD44 expression is correlated with microvessel formation in tumor tissues.
Core Tip: Microvascular plays a key role in the occurrence and development of gastric stromal tumor. Through this study, we reveal its role in tumor metastasis and invasion, and provide a basis for predicting the clinical prognosis of patients.