PURPOSE: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common malignant tumours of the salivary glands characterized by multiple recurrences and distant metastasis resulting in significantly worsening prognosis. Galectin-3, a member of the beta-galactoside-binding lectin family, has been implicated in tumour progression, metastasis, and found to have prognostic value. The aim of the study was to determine galectin-3 expression in ACC and correlate it with clinicopathological features and patient survival. METHODS: Galectin-3 expression was investigated in paraffin sections of 35 ACC of the head and neck. Patients were divided into two groups based on a threshold of 5% positivity in the tumour cell population. The mean follow-up period for all patients was 90.1 months (range 3-300.1 months). RESULTS: Seventeen (48.6%) tumour specimens were considered galectin-3-positive. Galectin-3 reactivity was significantly associated with regional and distant metastasis (P=0.045 and P<0.001, respectively). There was no statistical significance in the correlation of galectin-3 expression and disease-free survival and overall survival rate (P=0.095 and 0.102, respectively). CONCLUSION: Galectin-3 may be used as an indicator in the prediction of metastatic spread in ACC.
PURPOSE:Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common malignant tumours of the salivary glands characterized by multiple recurrences and distant metastasis resulting in significantly worsening prognosis. Galectin-3, a member of the beta-galactoside-binding lectin family, has been implicated in tumour progression, metastasis, and found to have prognostic value. The aim of the study was to determine galectin-3 expression in ACC and correlate it with clinicopathological features and patient survival. METHODS:Galectin-3 expression was investigated in paraffin sections of 35 ACC of the head and neck. Patients were divided into two groups based on a threshold of 5% positivity in the tumour cell population. The mean follow-up period for all patients was 90.1 months (range 3-300.1 months). RESULTS: Seventeen (48.6%) tumour specimens were considered galectin-3-positive. Galectin-3 reactivity was significantly associated with regional and distant metastasis (P=0.045 and P<0.001, respectively). There was no statistical significance in the correlation of galectin-3 expression and disease-free survival and overall survival rate (P=0.095 and 0.102, respectively). CONCLUSION:Galectin-3 may be used as an indicator in the prediction of metastatic spread in ACC.
Authors: Damon A Silverman; Thomas P Carlson; Deepak Khuntia; Richard T Bergstrom; Jerrold Saxton; Ramon M Esclamado Journal: Laryngoscope Date: 2004-07 Impact factor: 3.325
Authors: Suhail K Mithani; Chunbo Shao; Marietta Tan; Ian M Smith; Joseph A Califano; Adel K El-Naggar; Patrick K Ha Journal: PLoS One Date: 2009-12-30 Impact factor: 3.240