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Activation of Akt (protein kinase B) and loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression have been associated with disease recurrence and reduced survival in several cancers. We evaluated the expression patterns and prognostic value of active, phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) and PTEN in gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoid tumors. Total Akt, pAkt, and PTEN expression was assessed by Western blot analysis in 14 tumor samples from patients with GI carcinoid tumors. Expression levels were quantified with volume analysis software and correlated with clinical parameters. Total Akt, pAkt, and PTEN proteins were detectable in all tumor samples. The expression of activated pAkt and pAkt: PTEN ratios were significantly associated with elevated serum chromogranin A measurements (r= 0.77 and 0.78, respectively, P≤ 0.02 for both). In addition, pAkt: PTEN expression ratios positively correlated with older age (r= 0 …