Glut-1 glucose transporter expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with tumor aggressiveness

Background: Glucose transporter (Glut) proteins, which are membrane proteins responsible for the transport of glucose across cellular membranes, have six forms. To further elucidate the role of Glut-1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, we examined the expression of Glut-1 protein immunohistochemically. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical expression of Glut-1 was examined in surgically resected tissues from 95 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Results: Of the 95 esophageal carcinomas, 91 (95.8%) had some Glut-1 immunostaining in the membranes of the cancer cells. Positive staining (> 30% of cancer cells showing Glut-1 expression) was observed in 49 (51.6%) of the cases. Comparison of Glut-1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics in the 95 patients with esophageal cancer revealed significant associations between Glut-1 expression and tumor status (p < 0.001), lymph node status (p < 0.05), metastatic status (p < 0.01), and pathological stage (p < 0.001). The survival rates of patients with Glut-1-positive tumors were significantly lower than those of patients with Glut-1-negative tumors (log-rank p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the level of Glut-l expression may be a useful marker that can provide information on tumor aggressiveness and prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.