Computer-assisted image analysis of tumor sections for a new thrombospondin receptor.
BACKGROUND
A cell surface receptor (50 kd) has been recently identified in malignant cells that recognizes the tumor cell adhesive domain (ie, cysteine-serine-valine-threonine-cysteine-glycine [CSVTCG]) of thrombospondin (TSP). This CSVTCG-specific TSP receptor can be considered as a new tumor marker, and its concentration on the cell surface may correlate directly with the capacity of tumor cells to invade and metastasize.


METHODS
Six patients with primary, stages III and IV squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck were studied. Tumor sections were specifically stained for this receptor with immunohistochemical techniques. The stained specimens were then subjected to computer-assisted image analysis. The area of positive staining and the heterogeneity of the pattern of staining were compared to peritumoral angiogenesis and clinical outcome of the patients.


RESULTS
The results indicate that those patients with a high and homogenous positive stain score (mean +/- standard error [SE] 78 +/- 5%) for the CSVTCG-specific TSP receptor had high microvessel density and died from metastatic disease within 12 months of initial treatment (correlation coefficients = 0.95 and 1, respectively). Patients with a low and heterogenous positive stain score for receptor (mean +/- SE 8 +/- 2%; P < 0.001) had low microvessel counts and remained disease-free for at least 2 years. There was no relationship between receptor density and histologic classification of the primary tumors.


CONCLUSIONS
The CSVTCG-specific TSP receptor, quantified through image analysis of immunohistochemical stained tissue sections, is highly predictive of clinical outcome in patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.
Arnoletti
J P
JP
Department of Surgery, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
Albo
D
D
Jhala
N
N
Granick
M S
MS
Solomon
M P
MP
Atkinson
B
B
Rothman
V L
VL
Tuszynski
G P
GP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis*; D018955:CD36 Antigens; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000098:blood supply / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011379:Prognosis; D016024:Receptors, Cytoadhesin / Q000032:analysis*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018955:CD36 Antigens; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D016024:Receptors, Cytoadhesin