Expression of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) in Brain Glioma and its Correlation with Tumor Grade

Abstract

<strong><em>Background & Objective</em></strong> Angiogenesis is an essential component of tumor growth. Expression of PSMA on the neo-vasculature of many solid tumors, including glioblastoma multi-form, has been determined. The pattern of expression suggests that PSMA may play a functional role in angiogenesis.<br /> <strong><em>Methods</em></strong><strong>:</strong> expression of PSMA in different grades of brain glioma was evaluated by the immunohistochemistry method to determine the probable usefulness of anti-PSMA antibody as complementary target therapy in different grades of glioma.<br /> <strong><em>Results:</em></strong> Overall, 72 cases of low (grade I and II) and high (grade III and IV) grade gliomas were evaluated for expression of PSMA. Positive PSMA staining was observed in 12 (33.3%) of high grade and 3 (8.3%) of low grade gliomas. Although, high grade tumors more commonly had positive result for PSMA (P value=0.009), the intensity of staining was significantly stronger in low-grade tumors (P value=0.009).<br /> <strong><em>Conclusion:</em></strong> Expression of PSMA in different grades of glioma might provide a basis for further investigations focusing on selective target therapy in combination with the current standard care in all glioma grades, to improve treatment efficacy.