Immuno-histochemical evaluation of Cathepsin D in malignant salivary gland carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE Cathepsin D is a lysosomal acid protease secreted in increased levels in several malignancies. However, its role in salivary gland tumors has not been studied extensively. The present study aims to assess the expression of Cathepsin D in malignant salivary gland tumors and to compare its expression in these tumors. STUDY DESIGN A total of 30 cases of malignant salivary gland carcinomas which included 16 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 9 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and 5 cases of polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) were evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-Cathepsin D antibody. RESULT All the cases showed positivity (100%) for Cathepsin D with intense expression noted in ACC and MEC as compared to PLGA. Comparison of these tumors revealed statistical significant difference in expression between ACC and PLGA. CONCLUSION Intense expression of Cathepsin D in high grade carcinomas may be a marker for invasive potential and aggressive behavior.