Immunohistochemical Evaluation of GATA3 Expression in Tumors and Normal Tissues

Abstract

GATA3 expression has been reported in urothelial and breast carcinomas; however, the published data on GATA3 expression in tumors from other organs are limited. Immunohistochemical evaluation of GATA3 expression in 1,110 carcinomas and 310 cases of normal tissue using tissue microarray sections, 48 breast and bladder biopsy specimens, and 53 breast fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens was performed. Sixty-two of 72 urothelial carcinomas (86%) and 138 of 147 breast carcinomas (94%) tested positive for GATA3. All other cases, except for 2 of 96 endometrial carcinomas, tested negative for GATA3. On fine-needle aspiration biopsy samples, 88% of primary breast carcinomas and 82% of metastatic breast carcinomas tested positive for GATA3. Our study revealed that GATA3 is a sensitive and specific marker for the diagnosis of breast and urothelial carcinomas. When working on a tumor of unknown origin, GATA3 should be routinely included in the initial screening panel if either a breast or urothelial primary tumor is suspected.