# Prognostic Significance of CK5/6 and GATA3 Expression in Recurrent Urothelial Carcinoma

## TL;DR

This study found that the expression of CK5/6 and GATA3 in recurrent bladder cancer can predict patient survival and guide treatment decisions.

## Contribution

The study identifies CK5/6 and GATA3 as prognostic markers in recurrent urothelial carcinoma, linking their expression to survival outcomes.

## Key findings

- CK5/6(+) primary tumors are strongly associated with CK5/6(+) recurrences and younger age at recurrence.
- GATA3(+) recurrences are linked to longer overall survival, while CK5/6(+) recurrences are linked to shorter survival.
- Patients with at least one CK5/6(−) recurrence have better survival than those with only CK5/6(+) recurrences.

## Abstract

This study aimed to assess the expression of CK5/6 and GATA3 alterations in urothelial carcinoma (UCa) recurrences and evaluate overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival. A retrospective study was performed in 77 patients. CK5/6 and GATA3 were assessed immunohistochemically in primary and recurrent UCas. Primary CK5/6(+) UCa was associated with a 73% probability of recurrent CK5/6(+) (p = 0.000005) and incidence at younger age. Primary CK5/6(−) UCa was associated with an 84% probability of CK5/6(−) recurrence (p = 0.000005) and incidence at older ages. A higher probability of UCa CK5/6(+) recurrence was a significant independent factor associated with shorter OS (p = 0.044). A higher probability of UCa GATA3(+) recurrence was a significant independent factor associated with longer OS (p = 0.015). The evaluation of CK5/6 and GATA3 in recurrent UCa allows the early assessment of prognosis and appropriate oncological surveillance.

Background/Objectives: The study aimed to determine whether the expression of CK5/6 and GATA3 is altered in UCa recurrences and to evaluate disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) according to CK5/6 and GATA3 expression. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 77 patients with UCa. Surgery was performed in 35 patients. UCa recurrence was observed in 75% of patients. An immunohistochemical assessment of CK5/6 and GATA3 was performed in the primary and recurrent UCa groups. Results: CK5/6(+) in primary UCa was associated with a 73% probability of CK5/6(+) recurrence (p = 0.000005) and incidence at a younger age. CK5/6(−) in primary UCa was associated with an 84% probability of CK5/6(−) recurrence (p = 0.000005) and incidence at older age. A higher probability of UCa GATA3(+) recurrence was a significant independent factor associated with longer OS (p = 0.015). A greater probability of UCa CK5/6(+) recurrence was a significant independent factor associated with shorter OS (p = 0.044). Patients with CK5/6(+)-only UCa recurrences had significantly worse OS compared to UCa patients with at least one CK5/6(−) recurrence. Conclusions: 1. CK5/6 and GATA3 in UCa recurrences may differ from CK5/6 and GATA3 expression in primary UCa. Intensified oncological surveillance is suggested for patients with recurrent CK5/6(+) 2. Patients with at least one UCa CK5/6(−) recurrence have better prognosis compared to patients with only CK5/6(+) recurrences.