Immunohistochemical expression of somatostatin type 2A receptor in neuroendocrine carcinoma of uterine cervix.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Somatostatin and its analogues inhibit the growth of various kinds of endocrine and exocrine cells via the somatostatin receptor (SSTR). Expression of SSTR2A has been reported in many well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors and small numbers of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas. SSTR2A-positive neuroendocrine tumors may be treatable by SS analogues. Uterine cervical neuroendocrine carcinoma is generally associated with poor prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We examined the expression of SSTR2A and other neuroendocrine markers [neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), chromogranin A, and synaptophysin] by immunohistochemical methods in seven neuroendocrine tumors of the uterine cervix: five small cell carcinomas and two large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas.

RESULTS:

SSTR2A was expressed in one small cell carcinoma and two neuroendocrine large cell carcinomas. The cell membrane of cells in these carcinomas showed strong immunohistochemical reactivity for SSTR2A. SSTR2A-positive cases are also frequently positive for the expression of chromogranin A. Treatment with SSTR2A may be effective for endocrine tumors. The results indicate the usefulness of SSTR2A analogs for the treatment of some uterine neuroendocrine carcinomas.

• Authors: Hiroshi Kajiwara, Kenichi Hirabayashi, Masaki Miyazawa, Naoya Nakamura, Takeshi Hirasawa, Toshinari Muramatsu, Mikio Mikami, Masanori Yasuda, R Y Osamura
• Journal: Archives of gynecology and obstetrics (Arch Gynecol Obstet) Vol. 279 Issue 4 Pg. 521-5 (Apr 2009) ISSN: 1432-0711 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 18726606 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Chromogranin A
• Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules
• Receptors, Somatostatin
• Synaptophysin
• somatostatin receptor 2

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Biomarkers (metabolism)
• Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine (metabolism)
• Chromogranin A
• Female
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Middle Aged
• Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules (metabolism)
• Receptors, Somatostatin (biosynthesis)
• Synaptophysin (metabolism)
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms (metabolism)
• Young Adult