Target Genes Expression Biomarkers in Egyptian Bladder Cancer Patients

Bladder cancer (BC) is a prevalent form of urologic cancer, and its early diagnosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aims to identify genes overexpressed in bladder cancer tissues and peripheral blood compared to normal tissues. Using a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, we evaluated the expression levels of cytokeratin 19 (CK19), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), survivin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), and Humanin (H) in 160 individuals, comprising 80 bladder cancer patients and 80 healthy controls. The results demonstrated significant differences in gene expression between malignant and control groups, with a positive correlation between mRNA levels of CK19, CK20, survivin, hTERT, and H in both blood and tissue samples of the same patients. Advancing tumor grades were associated with increased expression of CK19, CK20, survivin, EGFR, and H6, while invasive tumors displayed higher expression levels than non-invasive ones. These findings suggest that the identified genes may serve as potential molecular biomarkers or therapeutic targets in Egyptian bladder cancer patients.