Markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal cell carcinoma.

Aim: To study the influence of markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) on a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) prognosis.

Methods: The surgical material of 47 RCC patients who underwent nephrectomy was studied. RCC patients were distributed in two groups: a short-term survival group (3-6 months) and a long-term survival group (17-24 months). EMT markers expression was assessed by immunohistochemical methods.

Results: It was determined that the rate of spindle-cell EMT was 96.4% in a short-term survival group and 42.1% in a long-term survival group. High rate Furhman's nuclear atypia, i.e. degree 3-4 occurred in 100% of cases in a short-term survival group versus 68.4% in a long-term survival group.

Conclusion: The rate of spindle-cell EMT in RCC may serve a more sensible prognostic factor than the degree of Furhman's nuclear atypia.