Expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin in Bowen's disease and squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the involvement of E-cadherin-catenin adhesion system in Bowen's disease (BD) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods: Fifteen normal skin, 28 BD and 18 SCC specimens were stained with monoclonal antibodies against E-cadherin and beta-catenin. Evaluation of the staining results was performed with semi-quantification of the pattern and intensity of staining, percentage of positive cells, and cytoplasmic staining.

Results: Normal skins strongly expressed membranous E-cadherin and beta-catenin, but their expression was remarkably reduced in BD and SCC. Abnormal staining of beta-catenin was observed in the cytoplasm or cell nuclei of BD and SCC.

Conclusions: Abnormal expression of the E-cadherin/catenin complex is common in SCC and BD.