Expression and Prognostic Value of α-, β-, andγ -Catenins in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Catenins (α, β, and γ) are a group of intracellular cell adhesion molecules that unite cytoskeleton with extracellular adhesion system. Abnormal expression of these molecules may have prognostic relevance in various carcinomas, including differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). We have, therefore, evaluated the prognostic value of α-, β-, andγ -catenins along with traditional risk factors in 206 consecutive DTC patients by immunohistochemistry. Papillary carcinomas showed normal staining pattern for α-, β-, andγ -catenins in 124 (60%), 136 (67%), and 94 (46%) cases, respectively. Follicular carcinomas expressed α-, β-, andγ -catenins normally in 16 (48%), 18 (55%), and 8 (32%) cases, respectively. Follicular type of tumor showed more often reduced staining for all catenins than papillary carcinoma (P = 0.009, P = 0.004, and P = 0.002, respectively). Age (>60 yr) and pTNM-stage were related to reduced α- and β-catenin expression levels (P = 0.027 and P = 0.026, respectively) and larger size of the tumor to ...