E-cadherin expression in bladder cancer using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues: correlation with histopathological grade, tumour stage and survival.
To determine the potential prognostic value of epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin), a Ca(2+)-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule, we have analysed its immunoreactivity and cellular localisation in 67 transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) using an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. These results were correlated with histopathological grade, tumour stage, presence of metastases and survival. In addition, 10 cystitis and 11 normal bladder biopsies were evaluated as controls. E-cadherin was expressed in a normal membranous pattern in all normal and 7 of 10 cystitis biopsies. Loss of normal surface E-cadherin expression was found in 3 of 15 superficial tumours and in 48 of 52 invasive cancers. Abnormal immunoreactivity was strictly related to tumour differentiation and stage. Fifteen of 20 well-differentiated (grade I) tumours showed preserved membranous E-cadherin immunoreactivity, while 46 of 47 moderate and poorly differentiated tumours (grades II and III) demonstrated abnormal staining patterns. Loss of membranous E-cadherin immunoreactivity was also associated with advanced tumour stage. There was a significantly higher 5-year survival rate for patients with preserved membranous staining compared with patients with abnormal staining.
Syrigos
K N
KN
Department of Clinical Oncology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Krausz
T
T
Waxman
J
J
Pandha
H
H
Rowlinson-Busza
G
G
Verne
J
J
Epenetos
A A
AA
Pignatelli
M
M
D015820:Cadherins / Q000032:analysis*; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005557:Formaldehyde; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016610:Tissue Embedding; D016707:Tissue Fixation; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D015820:Cadherins; D005557:Formaldehyde