Metastasis-Associated Protein 1 (MTA1) Overexpression is Closely Associated with Shorter Disease-Free Interval After Complete Resection of Histologically Node-Negative Esophageal Cancer

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) and its relationship to the disease-free interval after resection of pathologic N0 (pN0) esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). The subjects were 90 patients who successfully underwent complete resection of pN0 ESCC between May 2001 and May 2003. Immunohistochemical staining for MTA1 protein was performed using the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method. Log-rank test was performed to compare the disease-free interval, and Cox regression multivariate analysis was performed to judge independent prognostic factors. Metastasis-associated protein 1 overexpression was detected in 40 esophageal cancer tissues. Disease-free interval was significantly associated with MTA1 protein overexpression (p = 0.015). The overall 5-year survival rate was 45.6%, the 5-year survival rate of patients with MTA1 protein overexpression was significantly lower than that of those without overexpression (25.0 versus 62.0%; p < 0.001). The results of multivariate analysis confirmed that T status and MTA1 protein overexpression were independent prognostic factors. Metastasis-associated protein 1 overexpression was detected in pN0 ESCC and was significantly correlated with shorter disease-free interval. T status and MTA1 protein overexpression were both independent prognostic factors. These findings suggested MTA1 might be a predictor of relapsing phenotype and a prognostic factor in esophageal cancer.