Prostate-specific antigen, high-molecular-weight cytokeratin (clone 34betaE12), and/or p63: an optimal immunohistochemical panel to distinguish poorly differentiated prostate adenocarcinoma from urothelial carcinoma

Am J Clin Pathol. 2006 May;125(5):675-81. doi: 10.1309/V1RY-91NK-X5AR-W2Q5.

Abstract

An optimal immunohistochemical panel to distinguish poorly differentiated prostate (PCa) from urothelial (UCa) carcinoma was selected from a panel consisting of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), high-molecular-weight cytokeratin (HMWCK), clone 34betaE12, cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK20, p63, and alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase. The pilot group was composed of poorly differentiated UCa (n = 36) and PCa (n = 42). PSA and PAP stained 95% of PCa vs 0% and 11% of UCa cases, respectively. HMWCK and p63 stained 97% and 92% of UCa vs 2% and 0% of PCa cases respectively. CK7/CK20 coexpression was noted in 50% of UCa cases, whereas 86% of PCa cases were negative with both. A panel of PSA, HMWCK, and p63 was optimal for separating 95% PCa (PSA+/HMWCK and/or p63-) vs 97% UCa (PSA-/HMWCK and/or p63+). This panel was used on 26 diagnostically challenging cases and resolved 81% of cases as UCa vs PCa. The majority of PCa cases retain PSA. Negative PSA with positive HMWCK and/or p63 establishes a diagnosis of UCa.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / chemistry
  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods*
  • Keratins / analysis*
  • Keratins / chemistry
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / analysis*
  • Molecular Weight
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / analysis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Urothelium / chemistry
  • Urothelium / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CKAP4 protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Keratins
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen