MOLECULAR MARKERS OF THE PROGRESSION OF CONJUNCTIVAL NEOPLASTIC EPITHELIAL LESIONS

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Conjunctival epithelial lesions range from benign to malignant.
• Early detection of molecular markers is vital for managing malignant progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze molecular markers associated with the progression of conjunctival intraepithelial lesions.
• To establish criteria for classifying lesions based on molecular profiles.

Main Methods:

• Standard immunohistochemistry was used to analyze Ki67, PHH3, Bcl2, P53, P63, and CK7.
• The squamous-glandular index was calculated using H&E stained specimens and the P63/CK7 ratio.

Main Results:

• Squamous epithelium presence significantly increases during conjunctival intraepithelial lesion progression.
• The squamous-glandular index shows a corresponding increase with lesion progression.
• Proliferation and apoptosis markers help differentiate low-grade from high-grade conjunctival intraepithelial lesions.

Conclusions:

• The study identifies key molecular markers and indices for tracking conjunctival intraepithelial lesion progression.
• These markers facilitate the classification of conjunctival intraepithelial lesions into low and high-grade categories.
• This molecular analysis aids in understanding and managing conjunctival epithelial neoplasia.