Abstract
Aim: To determine whether modulation of expression of cell adhesion molecules occurs in neoplastic transformation of laryngeal epithelium and to investigate their possible role in clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five T1 N0 laryngeal biopsies were tested by immunohistochemistry for the E-cadherin/α-catenin adhesion complex. Results: High immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and α-catenin was found in 18% and 53% cases, respectively. Expression of both adhesion molecules decreased according to histological grading; a significant relationship was particularly found between high E-cadherin expression and G1 cases (p=0.013). High E-cad-herin expression was statistically associated with in situ carcinoma (p=0.006). Non-statistical significance was evidenced between these adhesion molecules and tobacco use or site of occurence. Regarding clinical outcome, recurrence was associated with low expression of both adhesion molecules. Conclusion: E-cadherin and α-catenin down-regulation might be associated with neoplastic transformation in laryngeal tissues and might be regarded as a risk factor for clinical recurrence.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 5245-5249 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Anticancer Research |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2012 |
Keywords
- A-catenin
- Adhesion molecules
- E-cadherin
- Immunohistochemistry
- Laryngeal cancer
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cancer Research
- Oncology