Tumor-associated fibroblasts and clinical and morphological features of bladder cancer

Zhestkov I.A., Kamalov D.M., Oleynik N.A., Nesterova O.Yu., Varentsov M.G., Kamalov A.A.

1) Medical Scientific and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; 2) Department of Urology and Andrology, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

Aim. To identify immunohistochemical (IHC) markers of tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) in bladder cancer and to assess their association with clinical and morphological tumor characteristics. Materials and methods. Surgical specimens from 44 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer and treated at the Medical Scientific and Educational Center of Lomonosov Moscow State University between March 2017 and December 2023 were included. Clinical and morphological characteristics were evaluated, and their associations with CAF markers were analyzed. Results. When tumor stage and grade were compared with TAFs expression levels, significant differences were observed (p<0.001). The association between this marker and tumor stage and grade was strong (V=0.656 and V=0.674, respectively). Tumor diameter also differed significantly depending on the level of FAP expression (p=0.033). Discussion. Despite favorable overall survival outcomes in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the risk of recurrence remains high. Currently used risk stratification tools, including the CUETO and EORTC models, do not reliably predict recurrence or response to intravesical BCG therapy. Immunohistochemical assessment using antibodies to TAFs markers may serve as an important tool for prognostic evaluation and treatment strategy selection. Conclusion. IHC assessment of TAFs demonstrated associations with clinical and morphological tumor characteristics. Further studies are required to evaluate the relationship between these markers and disease prognosis, as well as response to therapy.

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About the Authors

Corresponding author: I.A. Zhestkov – Urologist, General Clinical Department, Medical Research and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University; Postgraduate student, Department of Urology and Andrology, Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian; e-mail: zhestkovvanya@yandex.ru

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