Monoclonal antibody MOC-31 reactivity as a marker for adenocarcinoma in cytologic preparations
Thursday, December 8th, 2005.
Cancer Cytopathology. Early View (Articles online in advance of print). Published Online: 2 Dec 2005. [Link]
Jonathan L. Hecht, M.D., Ph.D. 1 *, Jack L. Pinkus, Ph.D. 2, Geraldine S. Pinkus, M.D. 2
1Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
2Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts
email: Jonathan L. Hecht (jlhecht@bidmc.harvard.edu)
*Correspondence to Jonathan L. Hecht, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Abstract
Background: It has been shown previously that detection of the epithelial membrane antigen using the mouse monoclonal antibody MOC-31 has diagnostic utility in the distinction between mesothelioma and metastatic carcinoma in body fluids. The current immunohistochemical study confirmed the effectiveness of MOC-31 as a marker for adenocarcinoma from a broad range of primary sites in body fluid cytology prepared as paraffin sections of cell blocks.
Methods: The authors evaluated 112 cell blocks for MOC-31 immunoreactivity, including 17 mesotheliomas, 86 metastatic adenocarcinomas from various sites, and 9 control fluids from patients with nonneoplastic conditions.
Results: Membranous reactivity for MOC-31 was observed in 86 of 86 samples (100%) of metastatic adenocarcinoma, regardless of the specific primary site. Sixteen of 17 mesothelioma samples were negative. In all but 1 sample of adenocarcinoma, > 90% of tumor cells present showed reactivity, and the staining intensity consistently was strong. Staining of scattered, morphologically benign mesothelial cells was observed in nine samples but did not interfere with interpretation.
Conclusions: On the basis of the staining profile, MOC-31 represented an effective marker for metastatic carcinoma in cell block preparations and may aid in distinguishing between benign and malignant mesothelial cells in these tumors. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Keywords: MOC-31, cell block, cytology, body fluids, adenocarcinoma, mesothelioma, epithelial membrane antigen
Glossary
- adenocarcinoma
- (add-en-o car-sin-o-muh). Cancer that starts in the glandular tissue, such as in the ducts or lobules of the breast.
- primary site
- the place where cancer begins. Primary cancer is usually named after the organ in which it starts. For example, cancer that starts in the breast is always breast cancer even if it spreads (metastasizes) to other organs such as bones or lungs.
- detection
- finding disease. Early detection means that the disease is found at an early stage, before it has grown large or spread to other sites. Note many forms of cancer can reach an advanced stage without causing symptoms. Mammography can help to find breast cancer early, and the PSA blood test is useful in finding prostate cancer.
- cytology
- (cy-tahl-uh-gee) the branch of science that deals with the structure and function of cells.
- cell
- the basic unit of which all living things are made. Cells replace themselves by splitting and forming new cells (mitosis). The processes that control the formation of new cells and the death of old cells are disrupted in cancer.
- carcinoma
- (car-sin-o-ma) a malignant tumor that begins in the lining layer (epithelial cells) of organs. At least 80% of all cancers are carcinomas.
- cancer
- malignancy; a group of diseases typified by abnormal, generally out-of-control, cell growth.
- benign
- (be-nine) not cancer; not malignant.
- antigen
- (an-tuh-jen) a substance that causes the body's immune system to react. This reaction often involves production of antibodies. For example, the immune system's response to antigens that are part of bacteria and viruses helps people resist infections. Cancer cells have certain antigens that can be found by laboratory tests. They are important in cancer diagnosis and in watching response to treatment. Other cancer cell antigens play a role in immune reactions that may help the body's resistance against cancer.
- antibody
- a protein in the blood that defends against foreign agents, such as bacteria. These agents contain certain substances called antigens. Each antibody works against a specific antigen. (See also antigen.)
- tumor
- an abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
- mesothelioma
- a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.
