The expression of cathepsins in osteoclast-like giant cells of an anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with tracheal perforation.
Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland (ACT) is a rapidly growing neoplasm with a very poor prognosis. In this study, we examined an ACT with osteoclast-like giant cells expressing matrix--degrading cysteine proteinases and their endogeneous inhibitor cystatin C. Bronchoscopic evaluation of a 50-year-old man suffering from hoarseness, dysphagia, and dyspnea revealed an irregular tumor mass infiltrating into the trachea and the cricothyroid ligament region. On histological examination, a necrotizing undifferentiated anaplastic carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells was detected. An immunohistochemical study of the tumor tissue was performed using a panel of 15 antibodies, including double labeling techniques. Most of the osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells (MGC) expressed CD68 and cathepsin K. Colocalization of cathepsin B and its endogenous inhibitor cystatin C occurred in the majority of MGC. Mononuclear cells (MC) were positive for cathepsin B, cystatin C, and CD 68, but only faintly for cathepsin K. Expression of cathepsins B and K in the MGC of the ACT might contribute to the invasive behavior of this tumor, thus promoting metastatic ability and destruction of the cartilagenous trachea.
Gaumann
A
A
Institut für Pathologie, Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinik Mainz, Germany. gauma000@mail.uni-mainz.de
Hansen
T
T
Köhler
H H
HH
Kommoss
F
F
Mann
W
W
Maurer
J
J
Kirkpatrick
C J
CJ
Kriegsmann
J
J
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D056657:Cathepsin K; D002403:Cathepsins / Q000378:metabolism*; D055316:Cystatin C; D015891:Cystatins / Q000378:metabolism; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D015726:Giant Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014132:Trachea / Q000473:pathology*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C525030:CST3 protein, human; D055316:Cystatin C; D015891:Cystatins; D002403:Cathepsins; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases; C534130:CTSK protein, human; D056657:Cathepsin K