Abstract
Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare tumors of the sellar and suprasellar regions of embryonic origin. The primary treatment for CPs is surgery but it is often unsuccessful. Although CPs are considered benign tumors, they display a relatively high recurrence rate that might compromise quality of life. Previous studies have reported that CPs express sex hormone receptors, including estrogen and progesterone receptors. Here, we systematically analyzed estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression by immunohistochemistry in a well-characterized series of patients with CP (n = 41) and analyzed their potential association with tumor aggressiveness features. A substantial proportion of CPs displayed a marked expression of PR. However, most CPs expressed low levels of ERα. No major association between PR and ERα expression and clinical aggressiveness features was observed in CPs. Additionally, in our series, β-catenin accumulation was not related to tumor recurrence.
Highlights
We examined the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in CP biopsies from 41 patients and analyzed the potential association between their expression and clinical and pathologic features of CPs
Immunohistochemistry is not a complete quantitative method to measure protein accumulation, it allows precise protein localization within tissues. This is important in tumors such as CPs, which can have a high amount of stromal tissue surrounding the tumoral cells
Immunohistochemistry allows the quantification of protein accumulation in tumoral cells and, provides a more accurate scoring
Summary
Craniopharyngiomas (CPs) are rare tumors of the sellar and suprasellar regions of embryonic origin that seems to arise from the Rathke’s pouch [1,2]. 1.2–4.6% of all intracranial tumors and their incidence has been estimated to be 0.5–2 cases per million people per year [2]. CPs may be diagnosed at any age, 30–50% of the cases are found during childhood and adolescence [3]. There are two CP types that display different clinical, histological, and molecular characteristics [2].
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