Cathepsin D immunoreactivity in ovarian cancer: correlation with prognostic factors

In view of the somewhat inconclusive nature of the reports of the role of Cathepsin D (Cath D) in ovarian carcinoma and its relationship with various other parameters of malignancy the present study was performed to aid in the further clarification of this role. One hundred freshly resected primary ovarian carcinomas of various histological types were studied for ER, PR and Cath D status and the results examined with respect to menopausal status, histology, size and lymph node invasion. In our series Cath D positivity was more frequent in serous than in other types of ovarian cancer but this Cath D positivity was not related to the frequency of lymph node invasion regardless of the size of the tumor. Nor was any association observed between Cath D positivity and ER or PR status of the tumors or the menopausal state of the patients. The reported prognostic value of Cath D, ER and PR is discussed as well as the distinction between tumor invasion by lymphatic channels and direct interstitial infiltration. It was concluded that Cath D may not play a role in the former mode but, as might be expected from its proteolytic properties, in local spread by means of tissue destruction.