E-Cadherin and β-Catenin Expression in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) undergoing Curative Intent Radiation ± Platinum Chemotherapy

Abstract

Aberrant expression of the E-cadherin-catenin cell adhesion complex has been described in various cancers. E-cadherin expression may be up- or down-regulated, depending on tumor type and/or stage of progression. Reduced intercellular adhesion is most frequently associated with tumor invasiveness and metastases; however, amplification of the adhesion axis has been described with lymphovascular emboli/invasion. In human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, E-cadherin overexpression may also mediate anchorage-independent cell growth and resistance to apoptosis.