ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the expression of CD44 V6 in normal endometrium, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial cancer and to evaluate CD44 variant 6 for prognostic marker. METHODS: Seventy six endometrial samples at Korea University Anam Hospital from 1991 to 2001 (37 normal endometrium, 15 endometrial hyperplasia, and 24 endometrial cancer) were immunohistochemically investigated for the expression of variant 6, isoform of CD44. Immunoreactivity scores were generated by multiplication of the values for the immunopositivity and immunointensity. RESULTS: CD44 V6 was detected in 19/37 cases of normal endometrium (only secretory phase), 1/15 endometrial hyperplasia, and 24/24 endometrial cancer. Immunoreactivity was higher in well differentiated endometrial cancer, while no association was noted with cancer stage. CONCLUSION: CD44 V6 expression in normal endometrium is observed in the secretory phase. Detection of expression of CD44 V6 may be useful for the early diagnosis of endometrial cancer and may be an useful prognostic marker.