Tenascin expression in gastric cancer with special emphasis on the WHO-, Lauren-, and Goseki-classifications

Ample evidence has been provided concerning the presence of tenascin in var ious histological subtypes of gastric cancer. However, conflict and discuss ion still persist regarding the correlation with different classification s ystems and prognostic impact. Therefore, we studied 203 adenocarcinomas of the stomach with special emphasis to the WHO-classification, Lauren's and G oseki's subtypes as well. The immunohistochemical ABC-method was applied us ing a monoclonal anti-human-tenascin antibody. 30% of ail tumours showed a distinct staining reaction. Tubulo-papillary carcinomas (WHO) revealed a si gnificantly stronger reactivity than signet-ring subtypes. Adenocarcinomas of intestinal type (Lauren) were significantly more positive than the diffu se types. Mucin-poor tumours (Goseki I+III) stained positive in a much high er degree compared to mucin-rich subtypes (Goseki II+IV). However, no corre lation could been demonstrated regarding TNM-stage or prognosis.