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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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A Next-generation Tissue Microarray (ngTMA) Protocol for Biomarker Studies
Published on: September 23, 2014
Evaluation of PTEN expression in cervical adenocarcinoma by tissue microarray
M Tawfik El-Mansi1, A R W Williams
1Department of Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. magdy.elmansi@smuht.nwest.nhs.uk
Summary
PTEN expression is generally retained in cervical adenocarcinoma, unlike endometrial cancer. However, its distribution and intensity are altered in cervical cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- PTEN is a tumor suppressor gene regulating cell proliferation and survival via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway.
- Somatic PTEN mutations are implicated in various cancers, with diminished expression in endometrial carcinomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate PTEN expression in cervical adenocarcinomas and precursor lesions.
- To correlate PTEN expression with clinicopathologic variables and histologic subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Tissue microarray (TMA) technology was used for 273 cervical samples (16 normal, 119 adenocarcinoma, 20 CGIN).
- Immunohistochemical staining for PTEN was performed on tissue sections.
- PTEN expression levels and patterns were analyzed and compared between normal and cancerous tissues.
Main Results:
- PTEN expression was positive in 88% of evaluable cases (121/137 patients).
- PTEN staining exhibited more heterogeneous intensity and distribution in tumor tissues compared to normal cervical tissues.
- No significant differences in PTEN expression were found between cervical adenocarcinoma in situ and invasive subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Unlike endometrial carcinomas, PTEN expression is largely retained during cervical carcinogenesis.
- Altered distribution and intensity of PTEN expression occur in cervical adenocarcinoma cells, suggesting a role in cervical cancer development.