Clinicopathological features and the value of differential Cytokeratin 7 and 20 expression in resolving diagnostic dilemmas of ovarian involvement by colorectal adenocarcinoma and vice-versa
2008

Differential Expression of Cytokeratins in Ovarian and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Sample size: 20 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rekhi Bharat, George Sophia, Madur Bhulaxmi, Chinoy RF, Dikshit Rajesh, Maheshwari Amita

Primary Institution: Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India

Hypothesis

Can differential expression of cytokeratins 7 and 20 help distinguish between ovarian and colorectal adenocarcinomas?

Conclusion

Differential expression of cytokeratins 7 and 20 is useful in resolving diagnostic dilemmas between ovarian and colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Supporting Evidence

  • 45% of cases were colorectal adenocarcinomas metastatic to the ovary.
  • 55% of cases were ovarian adenocarcinomas metastatic to the colorectum.
  • CK20 positivity and CK7 negativity are associated with colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Takeaway

This study looked at 20 cases to see how certain markers can help doctors tell if a cancer in the ovary came from the colon or if it started in the ovary.

Methodology

Analysis of 20 cases of ovarian involvement by metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas and vice-versa, including immunohistochemistry for cytokeratins.

Limitations

Limited details on some cases due to referral nature of the study.

Participant Demographics

Median age of colorectal adenocarcinoma cases was 55 years; median age of ovarian adenocarcinoma cases was 49 years.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-1596-3-39

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