Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at evaluating FYN expression among different histologic types of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its associated prognostics. METHODS: The FYN expression levels using quantitative real-time PCR method were evaluated in 98 primary EOC. Receiver operating characteristic curve were used to select an optimal cut-off value for determining the presence or absence of a disease progression. RESULT: The median level of FYN expression varied among different EOC types, being the highest in high-grade serous carcinomas and the lowest in clear cell carcinomas (CCC). Using the cutoff FYN value to predict disease progression, the FYN-positive group had a poorer progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the FYN-negative group (p = 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, FYN expression was an independent predictor for disease progression (Hazard ratio = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.21- 4.38; p = 0.011). In subgroup analysis, FYN expression was significantly associated with lower PFS in early stage CCC patients (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: FYN expression is variable among different types of EOC while impacting on the prognostic values in patients with early stage CCC.