Evaluation of Plasma and Tissue S100A4 Protein and mRNA Levels as Potential Markers of Metastasis and Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES: To investigate levels of S100A4 protein in plasma and S100A4 mRNA in tumours from patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC), and correlate these with metastasis, survival and levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). METHODS: Plasma S100A4 and VEGF protein concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 39 healthy subjects and 68 consecutive patients with untreated CCRCC. Levels of S100A4 and VEGF mRNA in tumour and matched control (healthy) tissue samples were measured using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Findings were analysed with respect to clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS: Plasma VEGF concentrations were higher in patients with CCRCC than in healthy subjects. S100A4 and VEGF mRNA levels were up-regulated in CCRCC tumour tissue compared with control tissue samples. Logistic regression analysis revealed that up-regulated tumour S100A4 and VEGF mRNA levels were independent risk factors for the presence of invasion and/or metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: S100A4 and VEGF are associated with tumour invasion and metastasis, and may be useful prognostic markers in patients with CCRCC. S100A4 and VEGF may represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention.