Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. Expression of tumor proteases cathepsin-D and pro-cathepsin-L.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the expression of cathepsin (cath)-D and pro-cath-L in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva and to determine whether those proteases have prognostic significance.


METHODS
Seventy-eight carcinomas were evaluated for tumor type, grade, inflammation and vascular space involvement. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue was stained for cath-D and pro-cath-L. Distribution, intensity and number of stained cells were examined and analyzed by the chi 2 test and receiver operator characteristic curves.


RESULTS
Cath-D and pro-cath-L staining showed different distribution patterns. Cath-D expression at the tumor border was associated with development of recurrence (P = .018). Lymph node involvement was dependent on the staining patterns of cath-D and pro-cath-L. The number of pro-cath-L-positive cells correlated with the development of recurrence (P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Protease expression of cath-D and pro-cath-L is localized in different tumor areas. The different staining patterns are associated with lymph node involvement and development of recurrence. The number of pro-cath-L-positive cells may be useful for predicting tumor recurrence.
Hantschmann
P
P
First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Innenstadt, Munich, Germany. phantsch@fk-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
Beysiegel
S
S
Kurzl
R
R
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D002402:Cathepsin D / Q000032:analysis*; D056668:Cathepsin L; D002403:Cathepsins / Q000032:analysis*; D004792:Enzyme Precursors / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D004792:Enzyme Precursors; D002403:Cathepsins; C063905:procathepsin L; D056668:Cathepsin L; D002402:Cathepsin D