Relationship and Predictive Role of the Dual Expression of FGFR and IL-8 in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Targeted Agents

Abstract

Background/aim: The expression of IL-8 and FGFR has been related to prognosis and pathological features in renal cell carcinoma. We investigated the relationship between IL-8 and FGFR and the outcome in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients.

Materials and methods: Clinical data and histological samples of patients affected by mRCC and treated with targeted agents were reviewed. The expression of proteins was assessed using immunohistochemistry.

Results: FGFR1, FGFR2, and IL-8 were found to be expressed in 16%, 30%, and 50% of cases, respectively. Significant correlations were found between selected proteins. A lack of expression of FGFR2 and IL8 was found to be correlated with increased progression-free survival (PFS). The survival rate at 24 months was 44%, 38%, and 79% of those expressing both, one, or none of the evaluated proteins, respectively (p=0.047).

Conclusion: This analysis found a relationship between the expression of IL-8 and FGFR2 in mRCC patients treated with targeted agents.

Keywords: FGFR; IL-8; mRCC; predictive factor; progression-free survival.