Expression of CD40 in ovarian cancer and adenovirus-mediated CD40 ligand therapy on ovarian cancer in vitro

Tumori. 2008 May-Jun;94(3):356-61. doi: 10.1177/030089160809400312.

Abstract

Aims and background: To test the expression level of CD40 on ovarian cancer tissues and its correlation to clinicopathological features of patients and to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of adenovirus-mediated CD40 ligand on ovarian cancer in vitro.

Material and methods: The expression of CD40 on paraffin-embedded ovarian cancer tissues (n=58) and normal ovarian tissues (n=15) was tested by immunohistochemistry, and CD40 expression on ovarian cancer cells derived from fresh surgical specimens was tested by flow cytometry analysis. The apoptosis-inducing effects of adenovirus-mediated CD40 ligand therapy on ovarian cancer cells derived from fresh surgical specimens were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis and TUNEL assay.

Results: CD40 expression was detected in 60.3% (35/58) of paraffin-embedded ovarian cancer tissues and 73.3% (11/15) of fresh ovarian cancer tissues, but not in normal ovarian tissues (n=15). CD40 expression was significantly correlated with FIGO stage of ovarian cancer. Adenovirus-mediated CD40 ligand therapy induced significant apoptosis effects on ovarian cancer cells derived from fresh surgical specimens in vitro compared to null adenovirus vector and phosphate-buffered saline.

Conclusions: Our results suggested the therapeutic potential of adenovirus-mediated CD40 ligand on ovarian cancer, especially on the late stage of ovarian cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • CD40 Antigens / analysis*
  • CD40 Ligand / administration & dosage
  • CD40 Ligand / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Nick-End Labeling
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • CD40 Antigens
  • CD40 Ligand