Abstract | OBJECTIVES: METHODS: A total of 48 samples were studied for CK20 expression by RT-PCR methodology. Among these, 24 samples were obtained by curettage of the uterine cavity of patients diagnosed with hydatidiform mole (14 complete moles and 10 partial moles), 4 samples were obtained from choriocarcinoma cell lines (2 JAR and 2 JEG), and 20 samples were of normal trophoblast (control group) obtained from patients that underwent elective termination of pregnancy. RESULTS: Expression of CK20 was identified in all the samples of complete mole (CM), all choriocarcinoma cell lines, and 50% of the patients with partial mole (PM). None of the preparations of normal trophoblastic tissue from the control group expressed the CK20. A significant difference (P < 0.00001) was found in CK20 expression between samples of patients with GTD and control samples. Comparison between CK20 expression in CMs and PMs revealed a significantly more frequent expression of CK20 in CMs (P = 0.006). More than 50% of the patients with PMs that were positive for CK20 had an invasive evolution. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, CK20 may assist in distinguishing between molar and normal trophoblastic tissue and may be considered a marker of GTD. In cases in which pathological classification of different subtypes of GTD is in doubt, CK20-positive expression is suggestive for a CM whereas CK20-negative is more indicative for PM.
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Authors | Rodica Stackievicz, Liat Drucker, Ruth Zemer, Ami Klein, Ofer Markovitch, Shai Yarkoni |
Journal | Gynecologic oncology
(Gynecol Oncol)
Vol. 87
Issue 1
Pg. 34-8
(Oct 2002)
ISSN: 0090-8258 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12468339
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Intermediate Filament Proteins
- KRT20 protein, human
- Keratin-20
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Topics |
- Biomarkers, Tumor
(biosynthesis)
- Female
- Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
(diagnosis, metabolism)
- Humans
- Hydatidiform Mole
(metabolism)
- Intermediate Filament Proteins
(biosynthesis)
- Keratin-20
- Pregnancy
- Prognosis
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Uterine Neoplasms
(diagnosis, metabolism)
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