mRNA Expression of S100A8 as a Prognostic Marker for Progression of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Purpose: S100A8 is a member of the S100 protein family containing 2EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. S100 proteins are involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and differentiation. Altered expression of this protein is associated with various diseases and cancers. The present study aimed to evaluate whether S100A8 has prognostic value for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Materials and Methods: A total of 103 primary NMIBC samples obtained by transurethral resection were evaluated. mRNA levels were examined by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. The results were compared with clinico-pathological parameters. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to plot the curves for progression-free survival. The multivariate Cox regression model was used to identify the independent prognostic factors for progression. Results: mRNA expression levels of S100A8 were significantly related to the progression of NMIBC. Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrated significant differences in tumor progression according to the level of S100A8 expression (log-rank test, p<0.001). The multivariate Cox regression model revealed that the S100A8 mRNA expression level (hazard ratio: 12.538; 95% confidence interval: 2.245-70.023, p=0.004) was an independent predictor for disease progression of NMIBC. Conclusions: Expression levels of S100A8 might be a useful prognostic marker for disease progression of NMIBC.