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Ep-CAM expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker.

Authors :
Stoecklein NH
Siegmund A
Scheunemann P
Luebke AM
Erbersdobler A
Verde PE
Eisenberger CF
Peiper M
Rehders A
Esch JS
Knoefel WT
Hosch SB
Source :
BMC cancer [BMC Cancer] 2006 Jun 23; Vol. 6, pp. 165. Date of Electronic Publication: 2006 Jun 23.
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the expression and test the clinical significance of the epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to check the suitability of esophageal SCC patients for Ep-CAM directed targeted therapies.<br />Methods: The Ep-CAM expression was immunohistochemically investigated in 70 primary esophageal SCCs using the monoclonal antibody Ber-EP4. For the interpretation of the staining results, we used a standardized scoring system ranging from 0 to 3+. The survival analysis was calculated from 53 patients without distant metastasis, with R0 resection and at least 2 months of clinical follow-up.<br />Results: Ep-CAM neo-expression was observed in 79% of the tumors with three expression levels, 1+ (26%), 2+ (11%) and 3+ (41%). Heterogeneous expression was observed at all expression levels. Interestingly, tumors with 3+ Ep-CAM expression conferred a significantly decreased median relapse-free survival period (log rank, p = 0.0001) and median overall survival (log rank, p = 0.0003). Multivariate survival analysis disclosed Ep-CAM 3+ expression as independent prognostic factor.<br />Conclusion: Our results suggest Ep-CAM as an attractive molecule for targeted therapy in esophageal SCC. Considering the discontenting results of the current adjuvant concepts for esophageal SCC patients, Ep-CAM might provide a promising target for an adjuvant immunotherapeutic intervention.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1471-2407
Volume :
6
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
BMC cancer
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
16796747
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-6-165