Review on squamous differentiation markers for diagnosis of lung cancer

The review highlights the putative role of a marker of squamous differentiation in lung cancer for differential diagnosis on small biopsies and cytology specimens.

Authors and e affiliations:

Nobre AR, Albergaria A, Schmitt F.

Source

Cancer Genetics Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of Porto University (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal

Abstract:

«p40: A p63 Isoform Useful for Lung Cancer Diagnosis - A review of the Physiological and Pathological Role of p63»

At present, p63, TTF-1, and Napsin-A are the main immunochemical markers used to distinguish squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). However, studies using antibodies against p63 have demonstrated false-positive results with positivity in some ADC. In contrast, the expression of one of the p63 isoforms (∆Np63), detected by the antibody p40, is highly specific for SCC. Since most cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in small specimens (cytology/biopsies) and saving material for molecular analysis is mandatory, we recommended the use of p40 (in adjunct with TTF-1 and/or Napsin-A) as the best approach to discriminate SCC and lung ADC. In this paper, we review the physiological and pathological role of p63 isoforms as well as their use as diagnostic markers in lung SCC.

Journal:

Acta Cytol. 2013;57(1):1-8. doi: 10.1159/000345245. Epub 2012 Dec 6

Link:

http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/345245