Expression of Survivin in the Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-embedded Specimens of Human Osteosarcoma May Be Used as a Diagnostic Marker

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent malignant bone tumor with a peak incidence in the second and third decades of life. Diagnosis of patients with osteosarcoma is limited to clinico-pathological parameters whereas molecular markers of tumor initiation and promotion have not yet been identified. We aimed to study the expression of the anti-apoptotic survivin gene in osteosarcoma specimens. A total of 35 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens including 25 tumoral and 20 non-tumoral paired-margins were collected. The expression of survivin was evaluated by employing real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Our data showed that survivin is differently expressed in osteosarcoma samples rather than non-tumoral margins. Real-time PCR showed that survivin is up-regulated in osteosarcoma specimens compared to margins (p<0.01). Furthermore, IHC confirmed that the survivin protein is significantly found in malignant parts of paraffin blocks. Our data show that survivin expression is modulated in osteosarcoma and may be considered as a diagnostic marker for further studies. Our data showed that survivin is differently expressed in osteosarcoma samples rather than non-tumoral margins. Real-time PCR showed that survivin is up-regulated in osteosarcoma specimens compared to margins (p<0.01). Furthermore, IHC confirmed that the survivin protein is significantly found in malignant parts of paraffin blocks. Our data show that survivin expression is modulated in osteosarcoma and could be considered as a diagnostic marker for further studies.