Saudi Journal of Pathology and Microbiology (SJPM)
Volume-4 | Issue-07 | 502-506
Original Research Article
Molecular Identification of Cancer Stem Cells in Pediatric Solid Tumours and Its Correlation with Clinicopathological Profile
Vasugi Gramani Arumugam, Sandhya Sundaram, Latha, Julius Xavier Scott
Published : July 23, 2019
Abstract
Pediatric solid tumours constitute a unique division of importance not only for the age group affected but also for the
increased incidence of recurrence and relapse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to study the clinicopathological
profile of malignant pediatric solid tumours and also to analyze the expression pattern of cancer stem cell marker, CD44
in a series of pediatric solid tumours. Materials and Methods: 75 cases of malignant solid tumours age group less than
17 years, reported at Sri Ramachandra Medical College from jan 2009 to dec 2013 were included in this study. Formalin
fixed paraffin embedded tissue stained with H&E were used for routine morphology. Immunohistochemical staining was
done using monoclonal anti CD-44 antibody by Streptavidin biotin peroxidase complex technique. Scoring was done
using Histochemical Scoring (H-Score) method. Results: Among the 75 cases 52 (68%) were males and 23(32%) were
females. 22(29%) were CNS neoplasms and 53(71%) were Non CNS neoplasms which included lymphoma, Ewing’s
sarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Wilms tumour, Soft tissue tumours, Germ cell tumours, Neuroblastoma, Hepatoblastoma &
others. The CD 44 expression was variable according to the grades of CNS tumours. Among non CNS neoplasms,
lymphomas showed an increased expression for CD44 with all the 11 of 12 cases (91%) being positive [Mean H-score-
213.4]. Ewing’s sarcoma/PNET (9 cases) and Wilm’s tumour (5 cases) were completely negative for CD44. Conclusion:
Pediatric solid tumours form a wide spectrum. Targeting CD 44 CSCs could be a strategy to improve the outcome in
these tumours.