E-Cadherin and Beta-Catenin Immunoexpression In Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma

Abstract

Background

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common invasive cancer of female genital tract. It is classified into type 1 and

type 2, of which endometrioid carcinoma belongs to type 1 endometrial carcinoma and accounts for 85% of cases

reported. It is an estrogen–sensitive carcinoma. Better understanding of molecular mechanisms leading to high

grade endometrioid carcinoma can aid in early detection and management.

Objectives

To assess the association between the immunoexpression of Beta-Catenin/E-Cadherin and histopathological

prognostic factors in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma.

Methodology

Sample size was 61. Endometrioid carcinoma grading was determined for each case from routine Hematoxylin (H)

and Eosin (E) sections. Then immunohistochemical staining of E-Cadherin and Beta -Catenin was done. E-Cadherin

and Beta-Catenin expression was correlated with tumour grade, TNM, depth of myometrial invasion and lymph

node status.

Results

A low Beta-Catenin expression was obtained in 100% of grade 3 tumours when compared to 37.8% and 22.8% of

grade 1 and 2 tumours respectively. Beta-Catenin expression was low, being 78.6%, 40% and 31% of Stage T3, T2

and T1 respectively. But expression of E- Cadherin and Beta -Catenin were not significantly correlated with lymph

node invasion and depth of myometrial invasion.

Conclusion

E-Cadherin expression was significantly reduced in high grade endometrioid carcinoma, however this study could

not document a significant correlation of E- Cadherin expression with TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, and

depth of myometrial invasion. Beta-Catenin expression was significantly low in grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma,

but no significant correlation of Beta -Catenin expression with depth of myometrial invasion and lymph node status

was obtained.