The Role of E-cadherin/β-catenin Complex and Cyclin D1 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between expression pattern of E-cadherin, beta-catenin and cyclin D1, and clinicopathologic parameters in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors evaluated the immunohistochemical expression pattern of E-cadherin, beta-catenin in relationship with cyclin D1 overexpression, degree of histologic differentiation, clinical stage, and nodal status in 146 head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The authors also evaluated the expression of E-cadherin/beta-catenin complex, E-cadherin/cyclin D1, and beta-catenin/cyclin D1 double staining with confocal laser scanning microscope. RESULTS: Aberrant expressions in 78% of E-cadherin, 77% of beta-catenin, and 69% of cyclin D1 in the HNSCC were observed. There was correlation of aberrant expression of E-cadherin and nodal status. Cyclin D1 overexpression was also correlated to clinical stage and nodal status. Significant relation was observed between E-cadherin and beta-catenin expression patterns. Co-expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin was significantly detected. However, there was no correlation of cyclin D1 overexpression with E-cadherin or beta-catenin expression patterns. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that aberrant expression of E-cadherin, E-cadherin/beta-catenin complex, and cyclin D1 may be involved in clinical stage and/or nodal status, and analysis of the pattern of E-cadherin, cyclin D1, and E-cadherin/beta-catenin complex may be good prognostic marker of HNSCC.