Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The ETS-associated gene (ERG) is an oncogene that encodes one of the erythroblast transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factors. Although there are many studies on the effects of different malignancies, especially prostate cancer, Ewing sarcoma and acute myeloid leukemia, its association with Wilms tumor has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate ERG tissue expression in Wilms tumors.

METHODS

ERG expression and its association with clinicopathological features were evaluated in tissue sections obtained from 53 children with Wilms tumors.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 3.21 ± 2 years. This series consisted of 25 boys (47.2%) and 28 girls (52.8%). The mean tumor size was 9.1 ± 2.9 cm. The mean kidney weight was 474.5 ± 310.7 g. Thirteen (24.5%) cases were stage I, 20 (37.7%) were stage II, 7 (14%) were stage III and 6 (11.3%) were stage IV. Forty-two cases were alive (79.2%) and were in follow-up. The mean survival time was 65.3 ± 40.2 (2-148) months. Nuclear ERG expression was detected in 21 (39.6%) cases. In 8 (15.1%) cases, ERG expression was limited to pure blastemal component. Eleven cases (20.8%) had ERG expression in blastemal and mesenchymal components. Two patients (3.8%), one of which with bilateral tumors, had diffuse nuclear ERG expression. There was no correlation between ERG expression and prognostic factors except tumor bilaterality.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that nuclear ERG expression is not related to the pathogenesis of Wilms tumor. Although there was no statistically significant p value; since ERG expression is more common in bilateral tumors, it is thought that ERG may have a supporting role in the development of WT.