Fascin and CK4 as biomarkers for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Several studies have suggested that fascin, cytokeratin 14 and cytokeratin 4 may have significant roles as biomarkers for the progression and survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study performed immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays, profiling premalignant lesions and invasive tumors. RESULTS Fascin increased across the following states as follows: normal-appearing epithelium (26%) to dysplasia (46%) to ESCC (68%), while CK4 was undetectable in ESCC (0%) compared to normal-appearing epithelium (45%) or dysplasia (41%). CK14 was elevated and invariant in expression. In regression analyses, compared to normal-appearing epithelium, higher fascin expression was associated with a 36% increased risk of dysplasia (odds ratio=1.36) and a 56% increased risk of invasive ESCC (odds ratio=1.56). CONCLUSION Expression of fascin is up-regulated in the transformation from normal-appearing epithelium, through dysplasia, into invasive carcinoma. Expression of CK4, CK14 and fascin did not correlate with patient survival. Fascin has a potential role as an early detection biomarker and CK4 as a tumor marker in ESCC.