Immunohistochemical expression of metallothionein in human bladder cancer: Correlation with histopathological parameters and patient survival

Purpose: We assessed metallothionein expression and its patterns of distribution as possible prognostic variables in bladder cancer with regard to histopathological. parameters. Materials and Methods: We stained 91 formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimens of bladder cancer from 91 patients with no history of treatment using an immunohistochemical technique for metallothionein. Relationships between immunoreactivity for metallothionein and histopathological parameters were examined. In addition, these parameters, including metallothionein, were evaluated as potential prognostic markers. Results: Metallothionein was detected in 33 of 91 bladder cancers (36.3%). There were significant relationships of metallothionein expression with high grade, high stage and nonpapillary growth pattern tumors. There was no specific correlation of metallothionein expression with the interval to intravesical recurrence. In the 31 patients who underwent radical cystectomy a significant relationship between metallothionein immunoreactivity and cancer specific survival was found. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a close correlation exists of metallothionein expression with histopathological. parameters and metallothionein expression can be a useful prognostic variable for bladder cancer.