Abstract 385P
Background
ZEB1 (Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1) and PRMT1 (Protein Arginine Methyltransferase-1) are pivotal in the molecular landscape of pancreatic cancer, influencing its progression and development. ZEB1, a transcription factor, orchestrates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a crucial process in cancer cell migration and invasion. Conversely, PRMT1 modulates gene expression via arginine methylation, impacting various cellular functions. This study examines the effect of ZEB1 and PRMT1 expression on the efficacy of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy in patients with unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from 46 histopathologically confirmed pancreatic cancer patients at Ankara Gazi University Faculty of Medicine from January 2015 to January 2022. The study focused on assessing PRMT1 and ZEB1 expression in tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry. Eligible participants were those with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, undergoing first-line FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy.
Results
In assessing the intensity of PRMT1 expression, we observed that patients exhibiting weak or no staining (grade 0-1) had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 9.5 months. Conversely, those with strong staining (grade 2-3) demonstrated a significantly shorter median PFS of 5.1 months (p=0.037). In contrast, the analysis did not reveal a significant difference in mPFS when comparing patients based on ZEB1 expression status (p=0.592). While the objective response rate (ORR) was 42,9% in the group with positive PRMT1 expression, this rate was 0% in the patient group with negative PRMT1 expression (p=0.40). While the ORR was 34.8% in the ZEB-1 negative patient group, this rate was 43.5% in the positive patient group (p=0.545).
Conclusions
PRMT1 and ZEB1 play significant roles in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight a link between high PRMT1 expression and reduced FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy response. While ZEB1's impact on treatment outcomes was less conclusive, its role as a transcriptional regulator suggests its potential influence on cancer dynamics.
Legal entity responsible for the study
Gazi University, Department of Medical Oncology.
Funding
Turkish Society of Medical Oncology.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.