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Decreased CD44 standard form expression correlates with prognostic variables in ovarian carcinomas
J S Ross1, C E Sheehan, S S Williams
1Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|July 13, 2001
Summary
Loss of CD44 standard form (CD44s) expression is common in ovarian carcinomas and correlates with poor prognosis. This finding suggests CD44s may play a role in ovarian cancer spread.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- CD44 standard form (CD44s) is a cell surface glycoprotein.
- Its role in ovarian neoplasms requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of CD44s in various ovarian epithelial neoplasms.
- To correlate CD44s expression with clinicopathological features and patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Automated immunohistochemical analysis using the anti-CD44 A3D8 clone.
- Evaluation of 101 ovarian epithelial neoplasms (primary tumors, metastases, ascites, implants).
- Semiquantitative scoring, FIGO grading, and survival analysis.
Main Results:
- CD44s expression was lower in carcinomas (15/64) compared to tumors of low malignant potential (9/18).
- Decreased CD44s expression in carcinomas correlated with high tumor grade, advanced stage, and shorter survival.
- Loss of CD44s expression was frequent in metastatic sites (lymph nodes, ascites).
Conclusions:
- Loss of CD44s expression is more prevalent in ovarian carcinomas than LMP tumors.
- CD44s downregulation is associated with adverse prognostic factors in ovarian cancer.
- CD44s may be involved in ovarian cancer progression and dissemination.