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ALK protein expression in rhabdomyosarcomas
K Pillay1, D Govender, R Chetty
1Department of Pathology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Histopathology
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein expression is present in a significant proportion of alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas. This study investigated ALK expression across various rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes, finding it not exclusive to alveolar types.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein is typically associated with the t(2;5) translocation in anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
- Expression of ALK protein has been observed in rhabdomyosarcomas, particularly the alveolar subtype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of ALK protein expression in a large cohort of rhabdomyosarcomas.
- To determine if ALK expression is specific to certain rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 83 rhabdomyosarcoma cases and 16 malignant mixed müllerian tumors with rhabdomyosarcomatous components.
- Immunohistochemical staining using a polyclonal ALK antibody.
Main Results:
- ALK protein positivity was observed in 45% (14/31) of alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas.
- Fifteen percent (6/40) of embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas showed ALK positivity.
- ALK expression was also detected in other rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes and in the rhabdomyosarcomatous component of malignant mixed müllerian tumors.
Conclusions:
- A notable proportion of alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas exhibit ALK protein expression.
- ALK expression is not limited to the alveolar subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma.
- Further research is warranted to ascertain if ALK overexpression in rhabdomyosarcomas results from the t(2;5) translocation.