Co-localisation of Glandular and Squamous Cell Markers in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

• Aim: Accurate classification of lung carcinomas is crucial for selecting appropriate and adequate chemotherapy treatment. In this study, glandular (adenocarcinoma), and squamous cell differentiation were examined in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) without obvious light-microscopic signs of squamous and glandular differentiation. Materials and Methods: All lung tumours diagnosed as NSCLC (n=61), without obvious squamous or glandular features, were obtained by bronchial biopsy or core biopsy supported by computed tomography. They were diagnosed during 1996-2009, at the Department of Pathology, Gavle Hospital, Sweden. The tumours were examined immunohistochemically with antibodies against CK5/6, p63 (squamous cell markers) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (adenocarcinoma cell marker). Double immunostaining (p63/CEA) was also performed on individual tumours. Results: The tumours originated from 36 males and 25 females, aged 54-83 years. Pure squamous cell differentiation (CK5/6 positive only) occurred in 34.4% (n=21) tumours and pure adenocarcinoma cell differentiation (CEA positive only) was present in 14.9% (n=9). Tumours with both squamous and adenocarcinoma features (CK5/6 and CEA positive) were most prevalent (47.5%, n=29). Two tumours (3.3%) were negative with both stains (and also synaptophysin negative). Double immunostaining (p63/CEA) revealed that squamous and adenocarcinoma markers were co-localised in cells in certain tumours. Conclusion: Co-localisation of squamous and adenocarcinoma markers in the same tumour cell suggests that additional analyses for novel biomarkers of specific lung cancer types may subsequently lead to a refined treatment choice for patients with the goal of improving clinical outcomes.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Lung cancer

squamous cell carcinoma

adenocarcinoma

CEA

CK5/6 expression

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)