The Significance of CD44v3 Expression in Squamous Cell Lesions of the Larynx

Abstract

Background and Objectives: It is known that a part of laryngeal premalignant lesions progresses to an invasive carcinoma. Despite many previous reports, conventional histology is not sufficient to predict such tumor progression. Herein, the authors investigated the role of CD44v3 as a biomarker in predicting the progression of laryngeal premalignant lesion to an inavasive cancer. Subjects and Method: Paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 40 patients were diagnosed accordingly as laryngeal invasive squamous cell carcinoma (n=10), Carcinoma in situ (n=10), dysplasia (n=10), and hyperkeratosis (n=10) between 1993 and 2002. They were immunohistochemically stained for CD44v3 protein. Results: In invasive squamous cell carcinoma, the expression of CD44v3 was diffused and gave a strong positive stain, and in carcinoma in situ, it was diffused and gave 3+ - 2+ stain. However, in dysplasia and hyperkeratosis, the proportion of CD44v3 expression was decreased by 2+ - 1+, and 1+ - 0, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that the expression of CD44v3 in laryngeal premalignant and malignant lesions can be associated with tumorigenesis and invasion. Those strong positive expressions of CD44v3 may represent more aggressive pathology of the larynx.