Activated p38-MAPK and Gemcitabine Sensitivity in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Background: Our study aimed to investigate if p38-MAPK determined in primary ovarian cancer can serve as a predictive marker for sensitivity to gemcitabine treatment in recurrent disease. Materials and Methods: Activated (phosphorylated) p38-MAPK was immunohistochemically assessed in paraffin-embedded tumors obtained at primary debulking surgery from 45 patients treated with gemcitabine for platinum-resistant recurrence. The value of activated p38-MAPK in predicting sensitivity, to gemcitabine treatment was statistically-evaluated. Results: Activated p38-MAPK was demonstrated in all healthy, ovaries and all ovarian carcinomas examined. In controls, the median histological score (H-score) for activated p38-MAPK staining was 200, while in ovarian cancer the median H-score was 100. Activity of p38-MAPK in ovarian cancer tissue was not associated with overall response or survival after gemcitabine chemotherapy. Conclusion: P38-MAPK activity, determined by immunohistochemistry in ovarian cancer specimens obtained at primary, diagnosis, cannot serve as a predictive marker for sensitivity to gemcitabine treatment in platinum-resistant disease.