Immunoexpression of E-, P- and N-cadherins in ovarian serous malignant tumors

Alteration of cadherin immunophenotype is associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a complex biomolecular mechanism involved in carcinomas progression. The study investigated the immunoexpression of E-, P- and N-cadherins in 50 serous malignant tumors of ovary related to the histopathological prognostic parameters of the lesions, using a quantification based on scores that took into account the number of marked cells and the intensity of the reactions. The E-cadherin and P-cadherin immunostainings were significantly superior in serous borderline tumors (SBTs) compared to carcinomas, as well as in advanced carcinomas compared to early stages. Although the immunoreactions indicated higher scores in high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs) versus low-grade ones (LGSCs), the aspect was without statistical significance. Immunoreactions of N-cadherin were present only in HGSC, being significantly superior in the advanced stages of tumors. Ovarian serous malignant tumors expressed E-, P- and N-cadherins in different proportions, the altered cadherin phenotype being associated with progression of the disease. The results can be used to identify tumors with progression potential and to better stratify patients for specific therapy.