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

• Published in: European journal of gynaecological oncology Vol. 38; no. 2; pp. 251 - 256
• Main Authors: Abdel-Hay, N H, Mansour, A A, El Sherbini, M A, Motaleb, F I Abdel, El-Shalakany, A H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 2017
• ISSN: 0392-2936
• DOI: 10.12892/ejgo3470.2017

To assess the diagnostic performance of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) mRNA in ovarian tumors. 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 CA 125 and risk of malignancy index (RMI). 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 = 0.30 1. 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). FoxP3 mRNA may not be good diagnostic marker in ovarian tumors; however it may prove valuable in defining underlying tumor molecular signature.