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Prostate-specific acid phosphatase in carcinoid tumors
Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological Anatomy and Histopathology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Prostate-specific acid phosphatase (PSAP) is a useful marker for carcinoid tumors, particularly those originating from the hindgut. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed PSAP positivity in a significant percentage of gastrointestinal carcinoids.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Prostate-specific acid phosphatase (PSAP) is traditionally considered a marker for prostatic tissue.
- Previous studies indicated potential cross-reactivity of PSAP in non-prostatic neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoids and pancreatic islet cell tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of PSAP as an immunohistochemical marker for carcinoid tumors.
- To evaluate the expression of PSAP in various carcinoid tumor origins and compare it with other neuroendocrine tumors.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of 50 tumors, including 44 gastrointestinal (GI) tract carcinoids, 3 bronchial carcinoids, and single cases from the ovary, kidney, and middle ear.
- Serum and tumor tissue PSAP content estimation in a rectal carcinoid case.
- Control group included pheochromocytoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and islet cell carcinoma.
Main Results:
- PSAP positivity was observed in 30 GI tract carcinoids, and one each in ovarian and kidney tumors.
- Eighty percent of hindgut-derived carcinoids showed PSAP positivity.
- Extremely elevated PSAP levels were detected in the serum and tumor tissue of a rectal carcinoid patient. Control neuroendocrine tumors were PSAP negative. Prostate-specific antigen was negative in carcinoids.
Conclusions:
- PSAP can serve as an effective immunohistochemical marker for carcinoid tumors.
- PSAP is particularly valuable for identifying carcinoids originating from the hindgut.
- PSAP's specificity and elevated levels in certain carcinoids warrant its consideration in differential diagnosis.