Survivin Expression in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Deregulated expression of inhibitors of apoptosis may contribute to cancer by aberrantly extending cell viability and facilitating the insurgence of resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. In this study, we have investigated, by immunohistochemical technique, the expression and potential prognostic significance of survivin in a series of 49 clear cell type renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Survivin expression was significantly associated with poorly differentiated, advanced stages and more aggressive ccRCCs (p 0.05). Patients with low survivin expression had statistically significant better survival rates than patients with high survivin expression (p 0.05). This may be relevant for follow-up protocols design and/or alternative therapeutic approaches.