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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
A Next-generation Tissue Microarray (ngTMA) Protocol for Biomarker Studies
Published on: September 23, 2014
Analysis of KIT (CD117) expression in gallbladder carcinomas by tissue microarray
C Langner1, M Lemmerer, P Kornprat
1Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 25, A-8036 Graz, Austria. cord.langner@meduni-graz.at
Aims:
KIT (CD117) is a transmembrane tyrosinase-kinase receptor which has been related to cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion and control of apoptosis. If present, KIT may provide a suitable target for tumour therapy. In this study, we report the presence of KIT in primary and metastatic gallbladder carcinomas.
Methods:
Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of 57 primary gallbladder carcinomas and 18 corresponding metastases were stained using a tissue microarray technique and two different antibodies.
Results:
Only three tumours stained for KIT. With a polyclonal antibody only one well differentiated papillary adenocarcinoma was immunoreactive. With a monoclonal antibody two additional poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma showed weak and focal immunostaining.
Conclusions:
KIT immunoreactivity is infrequent in gallbladder carcinoma. Thus, routine screening of tumour tissues for KIT by immunohistochemistry appears to be cost-ineffective and cannot be recommended. Moreover, the lack of substantial KIT immunoreactivity in both primary and metastatic gallbladder carcinoma tissues does not provide a rationale to investigate imatinib mesylate therapy in clinical trials including patients with advanced disease.
Insights
KIT (CD117) is rarely found in gallbladder carcinomas. This study found KIT immunoreactivity in only three tumors, suggesting it is not a viable target for targeted therapies like imatinib mesylate.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- KIT (CD117) is a receptor tyrosine kinase implicated in cell growth and survival.
- KIT's presence can indicate a potential target for cancer therapies.
- Gallbladder carcinomas are a group of aggressive cancers with limited treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of KIT in primary and metastatic gallbladder carcinomas.
- To determine if KIT is a potential therapeutic target in gallbladder cancer.
Main Methods:
- Tissue microarray technique was used to analyze 57 primary gallbladder carcinomas and 18 metastases.
- Immunohistochemistry staining was performed using two distinct KIT antibodies (polyclonal and monoclonal).
Main Results:
- KIT expression was infrequent, observed in only 3 out of 57 primary gallbladder carcinomas.
- One tumor showed reactivity with a polyclonal antibody (well-differentiated papillary adenocarcinoma).
- Two tumors showed weak, focal reactivity with a monoclonal antibody (poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma).
Conclusions:
- KIT immunoreactivity is uncommon in gallbladder carcinoma.
- Routine immunohistochemical screening for KIT is not cost-effective.
- The low prevalence of KIT does not support its use as a therapeutic target or for imatinib mesylate trials in advanced gallbladder cancer.
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