High EpCAM expression is linked to proliferation and lauren classification in gastric cancer

Abstract

BackgroundThe association of EpCAM expression with the progression of gastric cancer remains unclear. Here, we investigated the expression of EpCAM in gastric cancer subtypes and correlated the data to tumor cell proliferation and clinicopathologic factors.MethodsThe intratumoral expression of EpCAM was assessed in 163 primary gastric cancers (61 diffuse-, 62 intestinal-, 32 mixed-type and 8 unclassified tumors) by immunohistochemistry, using the monoclonal antibody Ber-EP4. Intensity of staining was classified according the HercepTest-score using a standardized scoring system. Ki-67 was used to examine the proliferation in tumor tissue.ResultsStrong EpCAM expression was observed in 77% of the tumors and in 85% of the corresponding lymph nodes. Of the primary tumors, 58% (n=74) presented a homogeneous intratumoral EpCAM expression while 42% were characterised by a heterogenous expression pattern. Tumors with high EpCAM expression at the invasive front were associated with significantly (p=0.03) higher proportion of lymph node metastases and lower median overall survival (p=0.001). Diffuse type tumors presented a significantly higher EpCAM expression at the invasion front compared with the tumor centre (p=0.036). Multivariate survival analysis identified high EpCAM expression at the invasive front as an independent prognostic factor.We observed a significant (p=0.001) correlation between high EpCAM expression and higher tumor cell proliferation.ConclusionHigh EpCAM expression associates with proliferation and progression of gastric cancer, especially in the diffuse type. Considering the discontenting results of the current adjuvant concepts for gastric cancer patients, EpCAM might be target in the adjuvant therapy of this malignant disease.

Expression of EpCAM in adenoid cystic carcinoma

“…The possible prognostic significance of EpCAM overexpression in various cancers has been raised by several investigators. 30,[42][43][44] Similarly, overexpression of EpCAM was correlated with higher histological grade and distant metastasis and we confirmed strong EpCAM expression is an independent factor affecting ACC patients' survival in the statistical evaluation.…”

Comparison of the expression levels of molecular markers among the peripheral area and central area of primary tumor and metastatic lymph node tumor in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

“…In gastric cancer, differential epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression between the center and the invasive front of the tumor has been reported, and high EpCAM expression in the invasive front, but not that in the center of the tumor, has been reported as a poor prognostic factor (Kroepil et al 2013). In oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, heterogeneous expressions of E-cadherin, EpCAM and claudin-7 have been reported, and lack of claudin-7 expression in the center of the primary tumor was identified as a poor prognostic factor (Melchers et al 2013).…”

EpCAM and COX-2 expression are positively correlated in human breast cancer

“…Specifically, EpCAM was demonstrated to serve a role in mediating the effects of epidermal growth factor in human ovarian cancer cell migration (23) and was associated with prostate cancer metastasis via the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway (24). High EpCAM expression was also associated with gastric cancer cell proliferation and disease progression (25).…”