Assessment of use of DcR 3 in diagnosis of dysplastic lesions and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

Abstract

Background: Because of confusion to gastric cancers arising at the gastro-esophageal junction, true esophageal adenocarcinoma was thought to be unusual. Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is becoming more common worldwide with increasing incidences.

Material and Methods: Overexpression of decoy receptor (DcR) 3 protein, - a recently discovered member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor super-family, was examined in 60 esophagogastrectomy specimens containing areas of Barrett esophagus (n = 27), low-grade dysplasia (n = 40), high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma in situ (n = 33), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC; n = 42) with immunohistochemical analysis. All cases were retrieved from the pathology files of Damanhour national medical institute hospital. 

Results: The results of this study revealed more overexpression of DcR3 in high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma in situ and EAC than in benign esophageal mucosa (both P < 0.0001), Barrett esophagus (both P < 0.001), and low-grade dysplasia (P < 0.01 and P = 0.033, respectively) significantly. Low-grade dysplasia also showed significant overexpression of DcR3 compared with benign esophagus (P < 0.05) but not with Barrett esophagus (P > 0.05). DcR3 overexpression seems negatively correlated with the grade of EAC.

Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that overexpression of DcR3 protein might be an aid in the diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma in situ and EAC and also might serve as a potential therapeutic target.