Expression of integrin α vβ 3 in medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Abstract

Aim: Tumor markers often remain elevated after intended curative resection of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The aim of this study was to determine the expression of α vβ 3, a promising theranostics target, in MTC and its metastases. Materials & methods: A vβ 3 expression was analyzed in 104 patients using a tissue microarray and correlated with clinicopathological variables and survival. Results: Cytoplasmic α vβ 3 positivity was seen in 70 patients and was associated with lymph node metastases at time of initial surgery. Membranous positivity was considered positive in 30 patients and was associated with sporadic MTC. Conclusion: A vβ 3 was expressed in the cytoplasm of 67% of MTC patients. Membranous expression, which is presumably most relevant for the theranostic use of α vβ 3, was seen in 29%.