Objectives: A reduction in cell–cell adhesion in cancer cells is an essential step in the progression from localized malignancy to metastatic disease. E-Cadherin is an important component of cell–cell adhesion molecules and may be a crucial determinant of tumor invasion and metastasis. E-Cadherin expression is reported to be correlated with lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The objective of this experiment is to examine the factors that are associated with invasion and metastasis of esophageal SCC. Methods: Forty-six cases of esophageal SCC were examined by immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin. The relationship between E-cadherin-staining patterns, conventional clinicopathological parameters and Yamamoto-Kohama’s (Y-K’s) mode of invasion were examined. Results: The expression of E-cadherin on the cell membrane was reduced or lost in some of the esophageal SCC. Lymph node metastasis was highly correlated with the expression pattern of E-cadherin (p = 0.0002) and also highly correlated with Y-K’s mode of invasion (p = 0.0078). However, lymph node metastasis was not correlated with any conventional clinicopathological parameters for invasion. Conclusions: These results indicate that E-cadherin plays a crucial role in invasion and metastasis in esophageal SCC, and that Y-K’s mode of invasion highly reflects the invasiveness and metastatic potentials of esophageal SCC cells. Therefore, examination of the expression of E-cadherin and Y-K’s mode of invasion would be helpful in predicting lymph node metastasis in esophageal SCC.

Keywords:
E-Cadherin, Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Immunohistochemistry, Lymph node metastasis, Mode of invasion
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.