Expression of WT1, CA 125, and GCDFP-15 as useful markers in the differential diagnosis of primary ovarian carcinomas versus metastatic breast cancer to the ovary Journal Article


Authors: Tornos, C.; Soslow, R.; Chen, S.; Akram, M.; Hummer, A. J.; Abu Rustum, N.; Norton, L.; Tan, L. K.
Article Title: Expression of WT1, CA 125, and GCDFP-15 as useful markers in the differential diagnosis of primary ovarian carcinomas versus metastatic breast cancer to the ovary
Abstract: Metastatic breast carcinoma to the ovary is sometimes difficult to differentiate from primary ovarian carcinoma. This problem is often encountered in breast carcinoma patients who develop adnexal masses. ER and PR can be positive in a high percentage of breast and ovarian carcinomas, and therefore cannot be used in the differential diagnosis of these entities. WT1 and CA125 have been identified as possible markers for ovarian cancer. However, no studies have been done that specifically compare the immunophenotype of breast carcinoma metastatic to ovary with that of primary ovarian cancer. Thirty-nine cases of metastatic breast carcinoma to the ovary, 36 primary breast carcinomas, and 42 primary ovarian carcinomas were examined immunohistochemically for the expression of WT1, CA125, carcinoembryonic antigen, MUC2, MUC1, and GCDFP. The percentage of cells stained and the intensity of staining were recorded. Thirty-two ovarian carcinomas (76%) were positive for WT1, including 31 of 33 (94%) serous carcinomas. Most of them had strong and diffuse staining. None of the breast cancers either primary or metastatic to the ovary expressed WT1. Thirty-eight (90%) ovarian carcinomas were positive for CA125, most of them with strong and diffuse staining. Most breast carcinomas were negative for CA125, with only 6 (16%) of the primary ones and 5 (12%) of the metastatic showing weak and focal positivity. All ovarian carcinomas were negative for GCDFP. Five primary breast cancers (14%) and 17 (43%) metastatic to the ovary were positive for GCDFP. Nine (21%) ovarian carcinomas, 8 (22%) primary breast carcinomas, and 13 (33%) metastatic to the ovary were positive for carcinoembryonic antigen. Almost all tumors examined were positive for MUC1 (100% ovarian carcinomas, 100% primary breast carcinomas, and 95% metastatic breast carcinomas to ovary). MUC2 was positive in 10 (24%) ovarian carcinomas, 3 (8%) primary breast cancers, and 12 (30%) metastases to the ovary. The presence of immunoreactivity for WT1 and CA125 in a carcinoma involving ovary strongly favors a primary lesion. Most ovarian carcinomas are positive for both markers, whereas the majority of metastatic breast carcinomas to the ovary are negative. GCDFP can be complementary in this differential diagnosis. Copyright © 2005 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Keywords: immunohistochemistry; clinical article; human tissue; unclassified drug; cancer diagnosis; antigen expression; ovarian neoplasms; metastasis; diagnosis, differential; breast; differential diagnosis; carcinoembryonic antigen; tumor markers, biological; breast neoplasms; tumor marker; ovary; antigens; antigens, neoplasm; breast carcinoma; carrier proteins; carcinoma; ovary carcinoma; mucin 1; ca 125 antigen; wt1 protein; ca-125 antigen; metastases; ca125; glycoproteins; wt1; mucins; mucin 2; wt1 proteins; gross cystic disease fluid protein 15; gcdfp
Journal Title: American Journal of Surgical Pathology
Volume: 29
Issue: 11
ISSN: 0147-5185
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 2005-11-01
Start Page: 1482
End Page: 1489
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/01.pas.0000176429.88702.36
PUBMED: 16224215
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 41" - "Export Date: 24 October 2012" - "CODEN: AJSPD" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Amanda J Hummer
    60 Hummer
  2. Carmen Tornos
    27 Tornos
  3. Larry Norton
    758 Norton
  4. Lee K Tan
    147 Tan
  5. Robert Soslow
    797 Soslow
  6. Muzaffar M Akram
    92 Akram