Article Sidebar
Views pdf: 27
STUDY OF EPCAM (BER-EP4) MARKER EXPRESSION IN CUTANEOUS BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the expression pattern of the immunohistochemical marker Ber-EP4 in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and evaluate its correlation with histopathological features. Materials and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 surgical specimens diagnosed with BCC, collected from July 2022 to July 2024. Results: Ber-EP4 showed a 100% positivity rate, with staining intensity ranging from 30% to 100%. The staining pattern was heterogeneous, with the diffuse pattern being the most common (85%). A statistically significant association was found between the presence of ulceration and both the percentage and pattern of Ber-EP4 expression (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.015 and p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions: Ber-EP4 demonstrates high sensitivity in diagnosing BCC. However, its expression pattern is variable, and staining intensity differs across cases. Ulceration may reduce Ber-EP4 expression, potentially leading to weak or false-negative results. Therefore, biopsy samples should avoid ulcerated areas when possible, and interpretation of Ber-EP4 staining in ulcerated regions should be approached with caution
Article Details
Keywords
Basal cell carcinoma, EpCAM, Ber-EP4.
References
2. Bichakjian CK, Olencki T, Aasi SZ, et al. Basal cell skin cancer, version 1.2016 clinical practice guidelines in oncology. Natl Compr Cancer Netw. 2016;14:574-97.
3. Wetzel M, Strickley J, Haeberle MT, et al. Depth of invasion of aggressive and nonaggressive basal cell carcinoma. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(3):12-4.
4. Ansai S, Takayama R, Kimura T, et al. Ber-EP4 is a useful marker for follicular germinative cell differentiation of cutaneous epithelial neoplasms. J Dermatol. 2012;39(8):688-92.
5. Ansai S, Takeichi H, Arase S, et al. Sebaceous carcinoma: an immunohistochemical reappraisal. Am J Dermatopathol. 2011;33(6):579-87.
6. Ozkanli S. Ber-EP4 staining patterns on basal cell carcinomas. North Clin Istanb. 2023;10(5):666-74.
7. Beer TW, Shepherd P, Theaker JM. Ber-EP4 and epithelial membrane antigen aid distinction of basal cell, squamous cell and basosquamous carcinomas of the skin. Histopathology. 2000;37(3):218-23.
8. Fan YS, Carr RA, Sanders DSA, et al. Characteristic Ber-EP4 and EMA expression in sebaceoma is immunohistochemically distinct from basal cell carcinoma. Histopathology. 2007;51(1):80-6.