Expression of sialyl lewis X, sialyl Lewis A, E-cadherin and cathepsin-D in human breast cancer: immunohistochemical analysis in mammary carcinoma in situ, invasive carcinomas and their lymph node metastasis.

Abstract

Combined analysis of tumor antigens involved in adhesion of breast cancer cells showed a negative correlation between Sialyl Lewis antigens and E-cadherin as the risk of metastasis progresses. Furthermore, there were significant differences of expression of the Sialyl Lewis antigens, E-cadherin and Cathepsin-D in primary breast cancer cells and their metastases. Evaluation of a panel of markers involved in cell adhesion could be a useful method for defining the metastatic risk in breast cancer patients.