[Adhesion molecules in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: possible indication of prognosis]

Thirty patients with laryngeal tumors were divided into two groups on the basis of whether clinical and pathological features indicated good or bad prognosis. Samples of each tumor group were selected and examined by immunohistochemistry using mAbs, raised against integrin chains (beta 1, beta 4, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 6) and their ligands laminin 1 and 5, collagen type IV, two fibronectin isoforms (ED-A and ED-B) and two isoforms of tenascin known to be associated with neoplasm. Controls were provided by samples of tumor-free laryngeal mucosa removed during the surgical procedure. The normal topographical integrin pattern and the continuity of the basement membrane components was altered in both groups but the extent of these changes was significantly greater in those tumors with poor prognosis. Therefore, the groups could easily and reliably be distinguished by simply observing their immunohistochemical features. It is suggested that performing immunohistochemical analysis on biopsies may aid in early diagnosis as well as in adopting the proper therapeutic strategy to follow for these tumors. The above molecules may become one of the diagnostic tools available for head and neck surgical pathologists.