Evidenzbasiertes endoskopisches Management des Barrett-Ösophagus

The prognostic and therapeutic potential of vimentin in colorectal cancer

Several cells and molecules in the tumor microenvironment have been introduced as effective factors in the prognosis and progression of colorectal cancer. As a key element of the intermediate filament family, vimentin is expressed by mesenchymal cells in a ubiquitous manner and contributes significantly to cellular integrity and stress resistance in colorectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that alterations in the expression patterns of intermediate filaments are significantly related to cancer progression, especially in phenotypes associated with cellular migration and invasion. In addition to its multiple biological roles, vimentin also has a substantial function in mediating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Therefore, evaluating vimentin as an effective factor involved in the prognosis of colorectal cancer and targeting it as a novel approach to cancer therapy have become one of the main goals of many researchers worldwide. In this article, we will review the various biological functions of vimentin, as well as its relationship with colorectal cancer with the aim of providing novel insights into its clinical importance in the prognosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Vimentin and Ki-67 immunolabeling in canine gastric carcinomas and their prognostic value

This study evaluated the expression of vimentin and Ki-67 proliferative index (PI) by immunohistochemistry in 30 canine gastric carcinomas (GCs) and a possible association with clinical and pathological features and patient's survival time. Vimentin immunoreactivity was assessed in neoplastic cells (in primary lesions, emboli, and metastases) and tumor-associated stroma (TAS) of canine GCs. Ki-67 PI was quantified in the neoplastic epithelial component. Vimentin immunolabeling in neoplastic cells was found in 30% of the primary lesions, in 82% of the neoplastic emboli, and in 50% of the metastases; in TAS, it was observed in all cases. A mean of 16% of the TAS was immunolabeled for vimentin. High vimentin immunolabeling in the TAS (>16%) was detected in 40% of cases. The average value of Ki-67 PI was 50%, and 80% of the lesions had Ki-67 PI above 20%. Vimentin immunolabeling in neoplastic cells was more frequent in less-differentiated carcinomas (diffuse [29%] and indeterminate types [75%]) than well-differentiated carcinomas (intestinal type [0%], P = .049). No significant differences were observed in vimentin immunolabeling in the TAS or Ki-67 PI according to histological diagnosis, depth of invasion, presence of neoplastic emboli or metastases. However, vimentin immunolabeling in the TAS was positively correlated with Ki-67 PI (r = .394, P = .031). Furthermore, a moderate negative correlation was observed between Ki-67 PI and survival time (r = -0.540). Our results suggest that vimentin and Ki-67 PI have potential for providing prognostic information in cases of canine GCs.