Expression of E-cadherin and α-catenin in T1 N0 laryngeal cancer.

AIM To determine whether modulation of expression of cell adhesion molecules occurs in neoplastic transformation of laryngeal epithelium and to investigate their possible role in clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-five T1 N0 laryngeal biopsies were tested by immunohistochemistry for the E-cadherin/α-catenin adhesion complex. RESULTS High immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and α-catenin was found in 18% and 53% cases, respectively. Expression of both adhesion molecules decreased according to histological grading; a significant relationship was particularly found between high E-cadherin expression and G1 cases (p=0.013). High E-cad-herin expression was statistically associated with in situ carcinoma (p=0.006). Non-statistical significance was evidenced between these adhesion molecules and tobacco use or site of occurence. Regarding clinical outcome, recurrence was associated with low expression of both adhesion molecules. CONCLUSION E-cadherin and α-catenin down-regulation might be associated with neoplastic transformation in laryngeal tissues and might be regarded as a risk factor for clinical recurrence.