RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and E-cadherin (E-cd) in Supraglottic larynx squamous cell carcinoma (SGLSCC) and the correlation with lymph node metastasis of neck. METHOD: The expression of TGF-beta1 and E-cd were studied in 60 cases of samples with SGLSCC and 10 cases of normal laryngeal mucosa by immunohistochemical staining (SABC method). They connected with clinical and followed data were analyzed. RESULT: Among 60 cases of human SGLSCC, 81.7% (49/60), 70.0% (42/60) were respectively defined as TGF-beta1 and E-cd - positive. Among 10 cases of normal laryngeal mucosa, 20.0% (2/10) 90.0% (9/10) were respectively defined as TGF-beta1 and E-cd - positive. There is a positive correlation between the expression of TGF-beta1 and the groups of lymph node metastasis, pathologic grade and clinical stage. However, there is a negative correlation between the expression of E-cd and the groups of lymph node metastasis, pathologic grade and clinical stage. The expression of the two indexes were significantly related to lymph node metastasis and not related to the age and sex of the patients,as well as the size of tumors. Although the two indexes were not concerted, they were inversely correlated with each other. E-cd expression was directly correlated with the survival functions of operated patients. CONCLUSION: The expression of TGF-beta1 and E-cd are correlated with lymph node metastasis in SGLSCC. There was negatively related to the two indexes. The two indexes may become the marker to predict the lymph node metastasis in SGLSCC, and E-cd may become the marker to judge the prognosis of SGLSCC.