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CD44 expression in papillary serous endometrial carcinoma
1Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Atlanta Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Summary
Papillary serous endometrial cancer often lacks CD44 expression. This absence correlates with increased malignant cell shedding, suggesting a role in tumor aggressiveness, independent of stage or metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Papillary serous endometrial carcinoma (PSEC) is an aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer.
- The cell adhesion molecule CD44 is implicated in tumor progression and metastasis in various cancers.
- Understanding CD44's role in PSEC is crucial for identifying prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CD44 expression and clinicopathologic features in PSEC.
- To determine if CD44 expression correlates with tumor stage, invasion, metastasis, or cell shedding.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess CD44 expression in 32 PSEC tissue samples.
- Clinicopathologic data, including myometrial invasion, nodal status, tumor spread, stage, and cervical cytology, were reviewed.
- Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test was performed to evaluate correlations.
Main Results:
- CD44 was not expressed in 81% of PSEC cases.
- Malignant cells were detected on cervical cytology in 68% of cases, with significantly higher rates in CD44-negative tumors (78% vs. 33%).
- CD44 expression showed no significant relationship with tumor stage, myometrial invasion, nodal involvement, or intraperitoneal spread.
Conclusions:
- CD44 is infrequently expressed in PSEC.
- The lack of CD44 expression is associated with a higher incidence of malignant cell shedding on cervical cytology.
- CD44 status does not appear to be a prognostic indicator for stage or nodal metastasis in PSEC, but its absence may contribute to the tumor's biologic aggressiveness.