Prognostic role of nm23 gene expression in patients with ovarian cancer

The aim of the study was to define the prognostic role of the metastasis suppressor gene, nm23, in 50 patients with primary ovarian cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens by the primary nm23 monoclonal antibody (Novocastra, NCL-nm23 clone 37.6). Forty-two specimens (84%) showed a positive nm23 staining. The nm23 staining was more intensive in patients with normal serum CA19.9 levels, patients with nonrecurrent disease, and alive patients (p < 0.05). Nm23 expression did not correlate with common clinicopathologic parameters such as histology, grade of differentiation, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, and CA-125. Although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.11), we found that nm23 may have a favorable prognostic factor in ovarian cancer. To clarify this subject further, prospective studies on a larger population are needed.