CXCR4-Pathway Genes Serve as Possible Markers in Ewing Sarcoma

CXCR4 signaling genes can serve as potential markers to predict survival and progression to metastasis in Ewing sarcoma, according to an article published online ahead of print in the European Journal of Cancer.¹

The CXCR4-pathway genes and splice variants were evaluated in total RNA isolated from 18 treatment-naïve tumors and 21 cells lines (panel I). Twenty-six treatment-naïve tumors (panel II) were utilized in an independent series to confirm the results.

The genes expressed in the tumors and cell lines were CXCL12, CXCR4, CXCR7, and CXCL14. Investigators found that CXCR7 and CXCL14 expression displayed a positive relationship with event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) and a negative relationship with metastasis development.

CXCR4 splice variants 1 and 2 were both found in tumors and cell lines and displayed a positive correlation with OS and EFS. The tumors evaluated in the second panel validated the study results.

Ewing sarcoma is the second most prevalent bone sarcoma, after osteosarcoma, in children and young adults.

Reference

1. Sand LG, Scotlandi K, Berghuis D, et al. CXCL14, CXCR7 expression and CXCR4 splice variant ratio associate with survival and metastases in Ewing Sarcoma patients [published online ahead of print September 28, 2015]. Eur J Cancer. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.08.020.