The transcription factor Sox11 is a prognostic factor for improved recurrence-free survival in epithelial ovarian cancer

In English Abstract
Background:
Current prognostic molecular markers for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are
insufficient. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of Sox11 in EOC
Methods:
Using an in silico transcriptomic screen Sox11 was identified as a potential EOC
biomarker. Sox11 protein expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC)
in 76 EOC cases, which were analyzed using automated algorithms to develop a
quantitative scoring model.
Results:
Sox11 mRNA expression was up-regulated in EOC compared to normal tissues.
Automated analysis of Sox11 in the EOC cohort revealed high expression of Sox11, in
40% of tumours, who had an improved recurrence free survival (RFS) (p= 0.002).
Multivariate analysis confirmed Sox11 was an independent predictor of improved RFS
after controlling for stage and grade.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that Sox11 is a new prognostic marker in EOC. Loss of SOX 11 is
associated with a decreased RFS and a more aggressive phenotype.