Journal of Histopathology and Cytopathology
Official Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Pathology
Vol 10, No 1, January 2026
Expression of FLI1 in Astrocytoma and its Association with Histological Parameters
*Sultana S,1 Khan ZB,2 Rahiduzzaman SM,3 Doly NJ,4 Tahsin KN,5 Jannat MR,6 Ahmed S,7 Kashfi SK8
Abstract
Background: Astrocytomas represent the most prevalent type of glial tumor. This category encompasses a diverse array of neoplasms that vary in their central nervous system (CNS) locations, morphological characteristics, and patterns of progression and invasiveness. FLI1, a nuclear transcription factor, plays a significant role in enhancing cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis, thereby serving as a prognostic indicator for numerous human tumors.
Objective: To see FLI1 expression in astrocytoma and its association with histological parameters (cellularity, nuclear atypia, mitosis, microvascular proliferation and necrosis ) of astrocytic tumors.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional observational study conducted with 50 samples selected using purposive sampling technique at the Department of Pathology of Dhaka Medical College. The samples were drawn from histomorphologically diagnosed astrocytoma cases within the period from March 2022 to February 2024. The collected 50 paraffin blocks were sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Immunostaining with FLI1 was done in all cases. Relevant information were collected and recorded in a predesigned data sheet. Statistical analysis was carried out as required.
Results: Among total 50 cases, the patients’ ages ranged from 4 to 92 years, with a mean age of 37.8 ±19.9 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. The most common tumor location was in the frontal lobe (28.0%), approximately half showing moderate cellularity (48.0%), moderate atypia (36.0%), mitosis (56.0%), and necrosis (32.0%). Among total 50 cases grade IV tumor was 36% followed by Grade I tumors (22.0%) and Grade II tumors (22.0%). The majority of cases exhibited high expression (FLI1 score ≥4) at 74.0%, while the remaining cases showed low expression (FLI1 score ≤3) at 26.0%. FLI1 expression was associated with atypia (p < 0.001), mitosis (p < 0.001), and necrosis (p= 0.029). The calculated p-value (<0.001) emphasizes the statistical significance of this association.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that elevated expression of FLI1 is positively correlated with atypical features, mitotic activity, and necrosis in astrocytoma. Assessing FLI1 may serve as a predictive indicator for tumor advancement and a prognostic marker for individuals diagnosed with astrocytoma.
[Journal of Histopathology and Cytopathology, 2026 Jan; 10 (1):38-48]
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.69950/jhc.2026.10.1.5
Keywords: Astrocytoma, FLI1 expression, Histological parameters.
- *Dr. Shahana Sultana, MBBS, MD (Pathology), Assistant Professor, Green life Medical College, Dhaka, shahanashova935@gmail.com
- Dr. Dr. Zubaida Bahroon Khan, MBBS, MD (Pathology), Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka
- Dr. S.M. Rahiduzzaman, MBBS, MD (Cardiology), Resident, Sir Salimullah medical college, Dhaka. rahid39rpmc@gmail.com
- Dr. Nusrat Jahan Doly, MBBS, MD (Pathology), Assistant Surgeon, Department of Histopathology, National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka, doctornusratjahan1990@gmail.com
- Dr. Kazi Nafisa Tahsin, MBBS, MD (Pathology), Assistant Surgeon, Department of Histopathology, National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka, kazinafisa29@gmail.com
- Dr. Mst. Rubeyatul Jannat, MD pathology, Assistant professor, Department of Pathology, Dr.Sirajul Islam medical College, Dhaka, rubeyatulj@gmail.com
- Dr. Shamim Ahamed, MD (Pathology), Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Brahmanbaria Medical College, Brahmanbaria, shawonahamedd@gmail.com
- Dr. Sayeed Kishwara Kashfi, MD (Pathology), Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Ahsania Mission Medical college, Dhaka, kishwarakashfi06@gmail.com
*For correspondence
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