Distribution of Beta-Catenin Expression in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: beta-catenin has functions in cell-cell adhesion with a complex of proteins that link cadherin to the cortical actin cytoskeleton and signal transduction through wnt developmental pathway. In this study, we investigated the distribution of beta-catenin in adenoid cystic carcinoma according to the histologic subtypes, perineural invasion, T classification, nodal status and stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surgical specimens were obtained from seventeen patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma. We performed immunohistochemical staining with beta-catenin monoclonal antibodies and compared its staining patterns with patients' clinical characteristics. RESULTS: In tubular subtype, there were intense membranous staining pattern than other subtypes (p0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggest that there are mixed functional roles of beta-catenin in adenoid cystic carcinoma in tumor aggressiveness.