METHODS: We conducted a matched case control study of 68
endometrial cancer patients who comprise each 34 diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
L1CAM expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using fresh
formalin-fixed
paraffin-embedded tissue block of the patients. The association between
L1CAM expression and pelvic
lymph node metastasis was assessed according to the presence of diabetes.
RESULTS: Of the 68 patients, 13 (19.1%) were positive for
L1CAM immunostaining. Positive rate of
L1CAM expression in diabetic
endometrial cancer patients was similar to that in non-diabetic
endometrial cancer patients (14.7% vs. 23.5%, P = 0.355).
Tumor recurred more frequently in patients with positive
L1CAM expression than those with negative
L1CAM expression (33.3% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.019). However, we failed to find any significant association between
L1CAM expression and
lymph node metastasis. Only for the diabetic patients (n = 34), patients with pelvic
lymph node metastasis had more
L1CAM expression than those without
lymph node metastasis (50.0% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.035). Advanced stage was the only risk factor for recurrence that showed a significant association with
L1CAM expression for the diabetic
endometrial cancer patients (P = 0.006), as well as all the enrolled patients (P = 0.014).
CONCLUSION: