Distinction of malignant mesothelioma from benign mesothelioma in effusions; Research
Researchers have found that Glut-1, EMA, and Desmin expression could be evaluated for distinguishing benign mesothelial cells from malignant mesothelioma cells in effusions.
This research has been published online in the journal Diagnostic Cytopathology.
Mesothelioma is the rare form of cancer of pleural cavity or lining of the abdomen and usually resulted from a long term exposure to asbestos. Benign refers to the harmless form and malignant refers to the harmful form. Glut-1 also known as Glucose transporter 1 is a type of protein that helps the movement of glucose across the plasma membranes of the mammalian cells. EMA refers to the epithelial membrane antigen usually present in the mammary gland epithelium and lungs. Normal epithelia react against EMA antibody. It may also help in the identification of meningioma – tumor of the membrane surrounding the central nervous system. Desmin is also a type of protein that has been found important in muscle cell structure. Pleural effusion refers to the presence of excess fluid accumulated between the two pleural layers, which is the fluid-filled space surrounding the lungs. This excessive amount of fluid could disturb the normal breathing phenomenon.
Researchers evaluated Glut-1, EMA, and Desmin expression by immunocytochemistry on effusion cell blocks of 25 confirmed cases of malignant mesothelioma, 23 benign mesothelial effusions without inflammation and 13 reactive mesothelial proliferations linked with inflammation.
Researchers concluded that risk score obtained from logistic regression of Glut-1 and EMA immunocytochemistry enhanced the distinction between malignant mesothlelial cells from benign mesothelial cells. Risk score refers to the risk factors associated with a condition. Logistic regression refers to the prediction of an outcome of a variable from one or more predictor variables.
Reference:
Kuperman M, Florence RR, Pantanowitz L, Visintainer PF, Cibas ES, Otis CN, (2012). Distinguishing benign from malignant mesothelial cells in effusions by Glut-1, EMA, and Desmin expression: An evidence-based approach. Diagnostic Cytopathology, doi: 10.1002/dc.21800
