Expression of caveolin-1 in peritumoral stroma is associated with histological grade in ovarian serous tumors.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated that Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) can ambiguously behave as tumor suppressor or tumor promoter in different neoplasms, depending on cancer type. Some findings have also revealed that cell proliferation, migration and invasion were attenuated by the knockdown of Caveolin-1 expressions. However, the functional and prognostic significance of Caveolin-1 in most tumors remains to be fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate a possible association between tissue Caveolin-1 expression and the clinicopathologic features of ovarian serous tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Caveolin-1 expression was studied in a total of 82 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of ovarian serous tumors and its association with different clinicopathologic parameters was evaluated. RESULTS The study included 36 (43.9%) benign, 12 (14.6%) borderline and 34 (41.5%) malignant serous tumors. Mean patient age was 43.9 ± 14.4 years (17-72 years). Statistical analysis revealed that if the tumor becomes more aggressive and invasive, it losses the stromal Caveolin-1 expression (p = 0.001). Also, parallel changes between stromal and perivascular Caveolin-1 expressions were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated a link between Caveolin-1 expression and the aggressiveness of ovarian cancer. Therefore, it seems safe to suggest that Cav-1 may act as a differential diagnostic biomarker in ovarian serous tumors.