Immunohistochemical Expression of Cathepsin D in Primary and Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the immunohistochemical expression of cathepsin B in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and recurrent OSCC. Materials and methods A total of 50 cases were studied immunohistochemically for rabbit polyclonal antihuman cathepsin D expression. A total of 10 cases of breast carcinoma were taken as positive controls. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using labeled streptavidin–biotin technique. Results All the 45 cases of OSCC, both primary and recurrent cases included, showed varying grades of cathepsin D immunoreactivity. Statistical significance at 5% level was observed in cathepsin D expression between the different grades of well, moderate, and poorly differentiated primary squamous cell carcinomas. In the comparison of cathepsin D staining intensity among primary squamous cell carcinomas with and without recurrence, a statistical significance between the groups was observed when the p-value was at 10%, but the same comparison was not significant when the p-value was at 5%. Conclusion Cathepsin D expression in primary squamous cell carcinomas with recurrences was very variable as compared with primary squamous cell carcinomas without recurrences. Comparison of cathepsin D expression in primary with their recurrent counterparts showed mostly similar intensity of expression in recurrent carcinomas, thus suggesting its limited usefulness in predicting recurrence. Clinical significance Although cathepsin D might have shown limited usefulness in predicting cancer recurrence, it, however, is a proven valuable tool to detect the aggressiveness of other tumors, and if corroborated with a larger sample may hold the key to early, more effective, and more specific treatment modalities for cases of oral cancer also. How to cite this article Satelur KP, Kumar GS. Immunohistochemical Expression of Cathepsin D in Primary and Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(9): 795-801.