Protein kinase Cι is a new prognostic factor in gastric cancer

Purposes Protein kinase C iota (PKC iota) is an important oncogenic K-ras effector, and its expression is correlated with tumor angiogenesis. The role of PKC iota in gastric cancer remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of PKC iota in gastric cancer. Methods Twenty-eight patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. The expression of PKC iota mRNA was determined, as were the clinicopathological factors. The patients were divided into PKC iota high and low expression groups. The 5-year survival rate, ERK mRNA level and VEGF mRNA level were compared between the two groups. The prognostic factors were investigated by a multivariate analysis. Results High expression of PKC iota was observed to be associated with a lack of differentiation, tumor invasion >= muscularis propria <=, stage III and IV disease and peritoneal dissemination. The 5-year survival rate in the PKC iota high group was lower than that in the PKC iota low group. The multivariate analysis revealed that a high expression level of PKC iota was an independent prognostic factor. The expression levels of ERK and VEGF in the PKC iota high group were higher than those in the PKC iota low group. Conclusion Our results indicate that PKC iota is correlated with tumor progression and angiogenesis. PKC iota may be a new prognostic factor for gastric cancer.