Tissue factor expression and prognosis in patients with metastatic prostate cancer

Objectives. To assess immunohistochemically the pattern of tissue factor (TF) expression in patients with metastatic prostate cancer, because TF is aberrantly expressed in human cancer. TF is the primary initiator of the coagulation cascade. Methods. Seventy-three patients with untreated metastatic prostate cancer who received hormonal therapy were included in the present study. Biopsy specimens were stained with anti-human TF antibody. We evaluated the histologic grade, extent of bony metastasis, clinical response to hormonal therapy, and patient prognosis. Results. TF was detected in 75.3% of the tumors of the patients with metastatic prostate cancer. TF expression showed no association with histologic grade, extent of bony metastasis, or clinical response to hormonal therapy. Patients with TF-positive tumors had a poorer cause-specific survival than those with TF-negative tumors. Multivariate analysis showed that TF expression, clinical response to hormonal therapy, and extent of bony metastasis were significant prognostic factors. Conclusions. The TF content measured using immunohistochemical staining was a useful prognostic factor for patients with metastatic prostate cancer treated with androgen withdrawal therapy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc.