CD117 Expression in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oesophagus

Abstract

Background/aim: Identification of changes in specific genes may help new attempts in finding targeted therapy for oesophageal cancer which still has a very poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate CD117 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus (SCCO).

Materials and methods: A preliminary study was performed for CD177 immunoreactivity using a monoclonal antibody against CD117 on 27 SCCO specimens from patients who underwent surgical resection. Specimens of oesophageal mucosa obtained from 10 healthy individuals were studied as a control group.

Results: Most patients had TNM American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IIb or III SCCO and mean overall survival was 21 (range=2-72) months. Cytoplasmic membrane CD117 immunoreactivity was demonstrated in only four (15%) out of 27 tumours and in none of the controls.

Conclusion: Although immunohistochemical expression of CD117 was higher than previously demonstrated, the lack of expression does not warranty further use in targeted therapy of SCCO.

Keywords: CD117; Oesophageal cancer; carcinogenesis; immunohistochemistry; oncogenes; squamous cell carcinoma.