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RBM3 expression represents novel biomarker in prostate cancer
High expression of the RNA-binding motif protein 3 was linked to ERG activation and PTEN deletions and may function as an independent biomarker in prostate cancer, according to study results.
Researchers used immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray that included 11,152 prostate cancers to evaluate RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) expression.
They found that RBM3 expression was more easily detected in malignant prostate tissue samples than those that were benign.
Among the samples with prostate cancer, 64% demonstrated RBM3 expression, and 25.6% of these demonstrated strong expression.
Researchers found strong RBM3 expression was associated with an advanced tumor stage, high Gleason score, lymph node involvement and positive surgical margin status (P<.0001 for all).
In addition, tumors positive for v-ets avian erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (ERG) and those that harbored PTEN deletions also were linked to strong RMB3 expression (P<.0001 for all).
When researchers analyzed ERG-negative and ERG-positive cancer subgroups, RBM3 staining also was associated with early biochemical recurrence (each P<.0001).
Analyses that accounted for RBM3 staining, Gleason score, primary tumor stage, PSA, surgical margin status and nodal status indicated RBM3 expression was still significantly associated with prognosis (P=.0084).
“Our observations indicate that high RBM3 expression is an independent prognostic marker in prostate cancer,” the researchers wrote. “The tight link to ERG activation and PTEN deletions suggest interaction with key molecular pathways in prostate cancer.”
Disclosure: See the study for a full list of the researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.