RET protein expression in papillary renal cell carcinoma.

TitleRET protein expression in papillary renal cell carcinoma.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsFlavin R, Finn SP, Choueiri TK, Ingoldsby H, Ring M, Barrett C, Rogers M, Smyth P, O'Regan E, Gaffney E, O'Leary JJ, Loda M, Signoretti S, Sheils O
JournalUrol Oncol
Volume30
Issue6
Pagination900-5
Date Published2012 Nov-Dec
ISSN1873-2496
KeywordsBiomarkers, Tumor, Carcinoma, Renal Cell, Female, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Kidney Neoplasms, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasm Grading, Neoplasm Staging, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of RET in renal malignancy, in particular papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 111 archival renal samples was used consisting of 94 renal cancers (66 papillary RCC, 18 conventional clear cell carcinoma, 10 chromophobe RCC), 4 benign oncocytomas, and 13 normal kidney tissues. RET protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and expression levels were correlated with clinicopathologic and patient survival data.

RESULTS: Positive RET staining was seen in 34/66 (52%) papillary RCCs, 4/10 (40%) chromophobe carcinomas, 4/4 (100%) oncocytomas, and 11/13 (85%) normal kidney samples. All 18 cases of conventional clear cell carcinoma had negative RET staining. RET expression was associated with low Fuhrman nuclear grade.

CONCLUSIONS: RET protein may be contributing in part to an adaptation of a papillary growth pattern in certain renal malignancies. Given the possible therapeutic benefit of small molecule inhibitors of RET activation, further work needs to be done to highlight the functional relevance of RET protein expression in papillary RCC.

DOI10.1016/j.urolonc.2010.08.025
Alternate JournalUrol Oncol
PubMed ID21396847
Related Faculty: 
Massimo Loda, M.D.

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 1300 York Avenue New York, NY 10065 Phone: (212) 746-6464
Surgical Pathology: (212) 746-2700