PTEN expression in clear cell adenocarcinoma of the ovary

Objectives. In this study, we analyzed the PTEN expression in a large collection of clear cell adenocarcinomas of the ovary. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression of cyclin D L and p27, and investigated the correlation among all these variables. Methods. Totally, 40 clear cell adenocarcinomas were included in this study. The protein expression of PTEN, cyclin D1 and p27 was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results. Of 40 clear cell adenocarcinomas, 15 (37.5%) lost all PTEN immunoreactivity. There was no significant correlation between PTEN expression and clinical stage. Cyclin D1 expression and loss of p27 expression were detected in 16/40 (40.0%) and 14/40 (35.0%) clear cell adenocarcinoma cases. There was no significant correlation between PTEN expression and cyclin D1 or p27 protein expression. Conclusions. Loss of PTEN expression is relatively common and both cyclin D1 and p27 expressions are not related with PTEN inactivation in clear cell adenocarcinoma of the ovary. (C) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.