ENETS Abstract Search

Alterations of E-cadherin, beta-catenin and caveolin-1 expression in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

#87

Introduction: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NETs) comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasm with different histological patterns and biological behavior. Only limited information is available on immunohistochemical prognostic factors of disease. Alterations in the cell-cell adhesion system are closely associated with cell invasion and metastasis in many malignancies, including those of endocrine origin. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin has been reported to play an important role in these processes. Caveolin-1 has recently been identified as a tumor metastasis modifier factor, which might increase the cell metastasis potential through the interaction with E-cadherin. However, the role of caveolin-1 in GEP NETs cell invasion remains unknown.

Aim(s): To assess the incidence and pattern of expression of E-cadherin, beta-catenin and caveolin-1 in histologically proven gastroenteropancreatic GEP NETs and to correlate the results with clinicopathological findings, especially in poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas with lymph nodal involvement and liver metastasis.

Materials and methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of E-cadherin, β-catenin, caveolin-1, cyclin D1 and Ki67 expression was carried out in paraffin-embedded sections of 23 surgically resected GEP NETs (stomach, 7; duodenum, 2; jejunum and ileum, 5; appendix, 2; colon and rectum, 4; pancreas, 3) and their metastases (lymph node, 4; liver, 5). The results were scored 0 to 3+ based on intensity and percentage of cells staining. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the differences in expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Seven patients had lymph node spread, five had liver metastasis and one had adrenal gland metastasis. Size of tumor, presence or absences of necrosis, invasiveness, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node involvement, liver and other distant metastasis were recorded.

Conference: 7th Annual ENETSConcerence (2010)

Presenting Author:

Authors: Delektorskaya V, Chemeris G,

Keywords: immunohistochemistry, E-cadherin, beta-catenin, caveolin-1, cyclin D1, Ki67, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, metastasis,

To read the full abstract, please log into your ENETS Member account.