Large cell carcinoma of the lung: an endangered species?

Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2009 Oct;17(5):383-92. doi: 10.1097/PAI.0b013e31819bfd59.

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate large cell carcinomas (LCC) of the lung with a panel of immunohistochemical markers in an attempt to identify tumors belonging to other categories. We analyzed a tissue microarray platform of 101 LCC with a panel of 31 monoclonal antibodies. The tumors were 82 (81.3%) classic LCC, 7 (6.9%) neuroendocrine LCC, 6 (5.9%) lymphoepithelioma-like LCC, 3 (2.9%) basaloid LCC, 2 (2%) clear cell LCC, and 1 (1%) LCC with rhabdoid phenotype. Characteristic classic LCC immunophenotype was loss of staining with CK5/6, CK14 positive in most squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), lack of MOC 31 positive in most adenocarcinomas, and positive immunoreactivity to EGFR, PDGFR-alpha and c-kit. 27 of 82 classic LCC (32.9%) were re-classified as adenocarcinomas, because they coexpressed TTF-1, CK7, and CK19, and were negative for p63. 31 (37.8%) of 82 classic LCC were reclassified as poorly differentiated SCC, based on their immunoreactivity with 34betaE12, p63, thrombomodulin, and CD44v6. 16 (19.5%) of 82 classic LCC correspond to undifferentiated adenosquamous carcinomas, since they displayed conflicting immunostaining for markers of both SCC and adenocarcinomas. The use of 7 immunohistochemical markers, consisting of TTF-1, CK7, CK19, p63, 34betaE12, thrombomodulin, and CD44v6, markedly reduces dramatically to less than 10%, the number of classic LCC by readily identifying cases of poorly differentiated SCCs, adenosquamous carcinoma and adenocarcinomas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Large Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Large Cell / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Large Cell / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / immunology
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal