Immunohistochemical Profiling of ALK Fusion Gene–Positive Adenocarcinomas of the Lung. (October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sakai, Yasuhiro; Nakai, Tokiko; Ohbayashi, Chiho; Imagawa, Naoko; Yanagita, Emmy; Satake, Rumiko; Nitta, Atsushi; Kajimoto, Kazuyoshi; Sakuma, Toshiko; Itoh, Tomoo
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgical pathology. Volume 21:Number 5(2013)
• Page Start: 476
• Page End: 482
• Publication Date: 2013-10
• Subjects: non-small-cell lung cancer -- adenocarcinoma -- squamous cell carcinoma -- ALK rearrangement -- immunohistochemical profiling -- tissue microarray; Pathology, Surgical -- Periodicals; 617.07
• DOI: 10.1177/1066896913489345
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1066-8969

Abstract

Our aim was to determine whether or not non-small-cell lung cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC); even in small samples, it is essential in view of the side effects attendant on new therapeutics. Lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) with the EML4-ALK fusion gene has been described as demonstrating mucinous cribriform/acinar growth and signet-ring cells, sometimes partially simulating SQCC. We investigated the relation among morphology, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement, and immunophenotype in 321 ADCs by tissue microarray using SQCC markers cytokeratin (CK)5/6, CK14, desmocollin-3, desmoglein-3, p40, p63 versus ADC markers thyroid transcription factor (TTF)-1 and napsin A. Unlike 312 ALK-negative ADCs, 9 ALK-positive cases were negative for 4 SQCC markers. Only 1 ALK-positive ADC showing assertive morphology was positive for CK5/6 and p63 as well as for TTF-1 and napsin A. Coexpression of TTF-1/p40 was not observed, unlike that of TTF-1/p63 reported previously. There was no statistically significant difference between ALK-negative and ALK-positive ADC by immunohistochemical profiling.