Expression and Localization of E-Cadherin in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Background: Findings for the role of E-cadherin in ovarian cancer (OC) are controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression and prognostic role of E- cadherin in OC. Materials and Methods: Expression analysis of E-cadherin was performed by immunohistochemistry in 36 patients (12 primary OC, 15 recurrent OC, 9 benign ovarian lesions). Tumor specimens were collected within OC. Correlation analysis with clinicopathological factors and survival was performed. Results: E-Cadherin was significantly reduced in OC compared to benign ovarian lesions (p=0.024). In primary OC, E-cadherin was comparable in ovarian tumor and corresponding metastatic tumor tissue. E-Cadherin showed no association with clinicopathological factors. A significant correlation between increased volume of ascites and higher E- cadherin immunoexpression was found in primary OC (p=0.029). E-Cadherin expression showed no statistically prognostic significance for survival (p=0.856). Conclusion: The function of E-cadherin in OC remains controversial and needs to be elucidated further in larger studies. Epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) is the eigth leading cancer in women and the leading cause of death from all gynaecological malignancies. The majority of patients present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Despite radical surgery and adjuvant platinum-based systemic treatment, relapse will occur in more than half of