Abstract
BackgroundNeural cell adhesion molecules like close homolog of L1 protein (CHL1) and neuronal glia related cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM) play an important role in development and regeneration of the central nervous system. However, they are also associated with cancerogenesis and progression in adult malignancies, thus gain increasing importance in cancer research. We therefore studied the expression of CHL1 and NrCAM according to the course of disease in children with neuroblastoma.MethodsCHL1 and NrCAM expression levels were histologically assessed by tissue microarrays from surgically resected neuroblastoma specimens of 56 children. Expression of both markers was correlated to demographics as well as clinical data including metastatic dissemination and survival.ResultsCHL1 was expressed in 9% and NrCAM in 51% of neuroblastoma tissue samples. Expression of CHL1 was higher in patients with low Hughes grade 1a/b (p=0.01). NrCAM was more often detected in patients with a low International Staging System (INSS) score 1/2 (p=0.04).ConclusionCHL1 and NrCAM expression was associated with low-grade pediatric neuroblastoma. These adhesion molecules may play a role in early tumor development of neuroblastoma.
Highlights
Neuroblastoma is an embryonic malignancy deriving from neural crest cells that undergo rapid differentiation during fetal development
close homolog of L1 protein (CHL1) was expressed in 9% and neuronal glia related cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM) in 51% of neuroblastoma tissue samples
NrCAM was more often detected in patients with a low International Staging System (INSS) score 1/2 (p=0.04)
Summary
Neuroblastoma is an embryonic malignancy deriving from neural crest cells that undergo rapid differentiation during fetal development. Progress has been made in the treatment of neuroblastoma, the outcome of children at high risk remains poor with a long-term survival as low as 50 % [2] Different parameters such as age, stage and chromosomal aberrations have an impact on prognosis. Neural cell adhesion molecules like close homolog of L1 protein (CHL1) and neuronal glia related cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM) play an important role in development and regeneration of the central nervous system. They are associated with cancerogenesis and progression in adult malignancies, gain increasing importance in cancer research. We studied the expression of CHL1 and NrCAM according to the course of disease in children with neuroblastoma
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
