MLH1 is a prognostic biomarker for serous ovarian cancer treated with platinum- And taxane-based chemotherapy

Abstract

Background/Aim: The potential of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system as a prognostic predictor has been evaluated in several cancer types. However, associations between MMR and the prognostic factors of ovarian cancer are poorly understood. Patients and Methods: MLH1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in patients with advanced serous ovarian cancer treated with platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy. Associations between MLH1 expression and clinicopathological factors as well as claudin-4 expression were examined. Results: Low MLH1 expression was significantly associated with increased progression-free and overall survival, and a normalisation of CA125 levels after chemotherapy. Additionally, low claudin-4 expression was more frequently found among the group with low MLH1 expression. Conclusion: Low MLH1 expression was associated with improved prognosis and is a possible predictor of the chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer. Claudin-4 might be involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying how MLH1 influences survival and chemosensitivity in patients with ovarian cancer.