Immunoexpression of Cytokeratin 20 and Cytokeratin 7 in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma in Association to Histological Grade

Abstract

Objective: To observe the immunoexpression of CK20/CK7 as a tumor marker and its association with histological grade of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Study Design: Observational / cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pathology and Surgery, Post Graduate Medical Institute Lahore and Jinnah Medical College Peshawar from July, 2013 to February, 2015

Materials and Methods: Surgical specimens / paraffin blocks of 60 histopathologically diagnosed cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma were included in this study. Three sections, 4μm- thick from each blocks were cut and were stained with H&E and for CK20 and CK7 immunostain respectively. All the slides were evaluated for colorectal adenocarcinoma along with expression of CK20 and CK7.

Results: CK2-+/CK7 – immune-phenotype was seen in 38 out of60 (63.33%) cases of colorectal adenocarcinomas. While the CK20+/CK7+ immunophenotype was detected in 9 out 60 (15%) cases of colorectal adenocarcinomas. Similarly the CK20-/CK7- immunophenotype expression pattern was observed in 11/60 (18.33%) cases of colorectal adenocarcinomas. We also observed the CK20 expression in 47 out of 60 (78/33%) and CK7 expression in 11 out of 60 (18.33%) in colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Conclusion: There is an association of histological grade and pattern of expression of CK20/CK7.