Survivin expression in renal cell carcinoma.

Deregulated expression of inhibitors of apoptosis may contribute to cancer by aberrantly extending cell viability and facilitating the insurgence of resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. In this study, we have investigated, by immunohistochemical technique, the expression and potential prognostic significance of survivin in a series of 49 clear cell type renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Survivin expression was significantly associated with poorly differentiated, advanced stages and more aggressive ccRCCs (p < 0.05). Patients with low survivin expression had statistically significant better survival rates than patients with high survivin expression (p < 0.05). This may be relevant for follow-up protocols design and/or alternative therapeutic approaches.