Mel-CAM (CD146) expression in parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Oral Oncol. 2003 Apr;39(3):277-81. doi: 10.1016/s1368-8375(02)00115-x.

Abstract

Mel-CAM (CD146) is a cell-cell adhesion protein found in normal and tumoral tissues. The aim of this study was to analyse Mel-CAM expression in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and assess its importance in prognosis and its utility in differentiating high-grade MEC from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Immunohistochemical expression of Mel-CAM in 41 parotid MEC was correlated with clinical parameters. Ten cases of oral cavity SCC were included for comparison. Mel-CAM expression was found in 92.7% of the MEC but was not expressed by the SCC. Mel-CAM expression was greater in intermediate/high grade tumors, was weaker in patients that presented local recurrence, regional and distant metastasis, but no correlation between Mel-CAM and clinical stage and survival of the patients was found. Decreased Mel-CAM expression can impair cellular contact properties, facilitating growth, cell spreading and metastasis in MEC. Mel-CAM can also be useful in differentiating high grade MEC from SCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • CD146 Antigen
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules*
  • Parotid Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Parotid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CD146 Antigen
  • MCAM protein, human
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules