The Value of Tenascin Expression as a Biological MarK:er in Ovarian Carcinoma

Abstract

Ovarian cancer ranks the second among gynecological cancers. It is considered to be a commonly lethal malignancy with very poor prognosis because of late diagnosis due to lack of early symptoms. So, sensitive immunohistochemical and molecular technology are needed to help earlier and more accurate detection of this fatal malignancy.

Extracellular matrix tenascin (TN) and its role in ovarian carcinogenesis and process of invasion are not clear which needs more studies.

The aim of this study was to investigate the tenascin expression in different ovarian neoplasms and its usefulness as a biological marker for early detection of tumour invasion by using molecular technique PCR and immunohistochemical staining.

This study included 49 ovarian tumour specimens and 5 normal ovarian specimens obtained from patients who were admitted to Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals examined by immunohistochemical staining technique using monoclonal antibodies against tenascin in paraffin embedded sections and RT-PCR technique to detect tenascin mRNA overexpression in fresh ovarian neoplastic specimens.