Epithelial cell adhesion molecule, Epcam

Epcam is a 40 kDa epithelial transmembrane glycoprotein. It acts as a Ca++-independent cell adhesion molecule. It is to be found on the baso-lateral surfaces of epithelial cells. Anti-Epcam may have therapeutic value in colonic carcinoma.

Immunohistochemical expression

 

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma

primary

grade 1/2

11/641

 

grade 3/4

14/831

unstated

12/441

metastatic

14/971

overall

50/288 (17%)1

 

   

Negative

Weak

Moderate

Strong

 

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

0/201

1/201

1/201

18/201

Renal oncocytoma

2/151

10/151

2/151

1/151

 

Diagnostic utility

References

1Went P, Dirnhofer S, Salvisberg T, et al. Expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCam) in renal epithelial tumors. Am J Surg Pathol 2005; 29:83-8

 

This page last revised 31.1.2005.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop