Histopathological Classification of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and the Prognostic Importance of PINCH Protein

Aim: The aims of this study were i) to assess a new and more detailed histopathological classification and to analyze concordance between pathologists in the histopathological classification of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP); ii) to analyze the expression in the stroma of the particularly interesting new cysteine-histidine (PINCH) protein and its prognostic importance in PMP. Materials and Methods: Surgical specimens from 81 patients, classified according to the Ronnett et al histopathological classification were compared to a new system with four groups ranging from indolent to aggressive growth patterns. PINCH protein expression was analyzed and was related to clinical variables. Results: The new four-group classification provided better prognostic information than the classification according to Ronnett et al. (p=0.04). Expression of the PINCH protein in the stroma was found in 83% of the cases and was associated with high tumor burden (p=0.002) and a poor prognosis (p=0.04). Conclusion: The proposed new PMP classification system may provide additional prognostic information. PINCH protein is expressed in PMP and has prognostic information.