Glucose transporter 1 expression in bladder carcinoma and its association with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 and Ki-67

Objective: To assess the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in urothelial carcinomas of urinary bladder and its relationship with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) protein and Ki67 proliferation index. Materials and Methods: Forty-three patients with urothelial carcinoma of bladder were included in the present study. Transurethral resection or cystectomy specimens of tumor were evaluated by histopathology. Grading and staging of these tumors were done followed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against GLUT1, HER2, and Ki67. Results: Strong expression of GLUT1 score and Ki67 index were seen in higher grades and tumor node metastasis stages of urothelial carcinoma (P < 0.05). In the current study, HER2 overexpression was not significantly associated with tumor grade and stage (P > 0.05). Conclusions: GLUT1 expression showed moderate correlation with HER2 and good correlation with Ki67 index in urothelial carcinoma. Further studies may be needed to assess the role of GLUT1 in prognosis and therapy.