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

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.