Pancreatic cancer stem cells may define tumor stroma characteristics and recurrence patterns in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Herein, we investigate the relationship between pancreatic stem cell markers (PCSC markers), CD44, and epithelial-specific antigen (ESA), tumor stroma, and the impact on recurrence outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients.

Methods

PDAC patients who underwent surgical resection between 01/2012-06/2014 were identified. CD44 and ESA expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Stroma was classified as loose, moderate, and dense based on fibroblast content. Overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between subgroups by log-rank test. The association between PCSC markers and stroma type was assessed by Fisher's exact test.

Results

N = 93 PDAC patients were identified. T

SUBMITTER: Askan G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8034174 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature