Expression of the
cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (CD54) and
LFA-3 (CD58) was examined on primary gastric
carcinomas, autologous benign mucosa and metastatic lesions. Although
ICAM-1 was never observed on benign gastric epithelium, even in the presence of chronic
inflammation and a strong leukocyte infiltrate, 38% (26/69) of the primary
tumors expressed this molecule.
ICAM-1 was restricted to differentiated
tumors and correlated with the presence of leukocytes and the absence of vessel invasion. The
ICAM-1 expression pattern of metastatic lesions reflected that of the primary
tumor, suggesting that most
tumors retain the non-inducible phenotype seen in normal mucosa while some become
cytokine-sensitive.
ICAM-1 expression showed no correlation with
tumor relapse or survival.
LFA-3 was absent from 8% (4/49) of the primary
tumors and reduced (e.g., < or = 50% positive cells) in 33% (16/49). Expression of
LFA-3 by more than 50% of the
tumor cells correlated with cellular dedifferentiation (G3, G4), histologically detectable vessel invasion,
tumor recurrence and decreased survival time. Primary
tumors and
metastases in draining lymph nodes demonstrated a broad range of
LFA-3 expression. In contrast, distant
metastases (liver and peritoneum) had uniformly high frequencies of LFA-3-positive cells, suggesting a selective advantage for these cells in the establishment of distant
metastases.