Prognostic implications of glucose transporter protein-1 (Glut-1) overexpression in bone and soft-tissue sarcomas

Background: The glucose transporter protein 1 (Glut-1) overexpression is associated with poor overall survival (OS) in various malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate prognostic significance of Glut-1 overexpression in patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. Methods: A total of 67 patients (mean age, 43 years; range, 8-79 years) with bone and soft tissue sarcomas were analyzed. Pathologic confirmation was observed from surgical specimens in all patients. Pathologic variables including tumor differentiation, necrosis, mitotic index, MIB-1 (Ki-67) grade and Glut-1 expression were assessed. Clinical characteristics and pathologic variables were determined by Kaplan-Meyer curve of OS after treatment. Results: Glut-1 overexpression was found in 56 patients (83%). The patients with Glut-1 overexpression showed significantly poor OS compared with those without Glut-1 overexpression (P = 0.029). The presence of metastasis, treatment without surgical resection, tumor differentiation, necrosis, mitotic index and MIB-1 grade were also significantly negative prognostic factors. The presence of metastasis was independently associated with poor OS (P = 0.031). Conclusions: Assessment of Glut-1 expression prior to treatment has a predictive potential effect in patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas.