Assessment of Patterns of Expression of VEGF, Matrix Metalloproteinase 2, 9 Activity, E-Cadherin Regulation and CA-9 Activity as Predictors of Aggressive Renal Cell Carcinoma Behavior

OBJECTIVES:

• To identify consistent patterns of VEGF expression, E-cadherin regulation, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 activity, and carbonic anhydrase 9 activity as predictive factors in the development of aggressive tumor behavior in tumor tissue samples from patients with localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

OUTLINE: Previously collected tumor tissue samples are examined by immunohistochemistry for levels of expression of five different factors related to aggressive tumor behavior (i.e., VEGF expression, E-cadherin regulation, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 activity, and carbonic anhydrase 9 activity). Samples are compared to positive tissue controls (i.e., VEGF- tonsil; E- cadherin-normal breast or endometrium; MMP2- placenta) and a negative control (i.e., isotype matched normal serum) to identify consistent patterns of expression/activity of these factors. Levels of expression are quantified as 5-level scores (0 to 4 scale) and differences between any two areas of a tumor are analyzed.