The Significance of E-cadherin Expression in Transitional Cell Carcinomas of the Bladder

Jung, Sang Won; Kim, Sang Yoon; Kim, Hong Sup

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the significance of E-cadherin expression in transitional cell carcinoma of bladder, as the prognostic value.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We have analyzed its immunoreactivity in 41 transitional cell carcinomas using a labelled streptavidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique on the formalin-fixed and the paraffin-embedded tissues. E-cadherin is a Ca2+-dependent intracellular adhesion molecule of the epithelial tissue and the urothelium. We determined the E-cadherin expression in bladder carcinoma using immunohistochemical method and investigated relationship between pathological and clinical data.
RESULTS
The percentage of cases showing weak pattern was higher in cases with high-grade or high-stage tumors as compared with those of low grade or low stage. The E-cadherin was expressed in a normal membranous pattern in all control cases. Abnormal E-cadherin expression was found in 8 of 20 superficial tumors and in 19 of 21 invasive tumors. Abnormal immunoreactivity was related to tumor differentiation and stage. Eight of 13 well-differentiated tumors showed preservation of membranous E-cadherin immunoreactivity, while 2 of 28 moderately and poorly differentiated tumors demonstrated normal staining patterns.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the loss of expression of E-cadherin in high grade or high stage transitional cell carcinoma of bladder is associated with bladder wall invasion, indicates metastasis, and may be clinical value in the assessment of prognosis.