Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) mRNA as a diagnostic marker in ovarian tumors: a pilot study

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic performance of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) mRNA in ovarian tumors. Materials and Methods: Using quantitative real time reverse transcription PCR (q-RT-PCR), FoxP3 mRNA level was measured in fresh frozen ovarian tumors and its diagnostic performance was compared to those of preoperative serum CA125 and risk of malignancy index (RMI). Results: FoxP3 mRNA was differentially expressed in the malignant (n = 25) and benign (n = 25) groups, yet without statistically significant differences; positivity rate: 15/25 vs. 10/25; p = 0.157, median: 0.429 vs. 0.046; p = 0.684, and mean ± SD: 73.75 ± 234.68 vs. 247.09 ± 792.17; p = 0.301. Although it showed much less diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.534), FoxP3 mRNA enhanced the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of both CA125 and RMI (96% and 100%, for both). Conclusion: FoxP3 mRNA may not be good diagnostic marker in ovarian tumors; however it may prove valuable in defining underlying tumor molecular signature.

Ovarian tumor; q-RT-PCR; FoxP3 mRNA; CA125; Treg.

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