Large cell and small cell neuroendocrine bladder carcinoma: immunohistochemical and outcome study in a single institution

Am J Clin Pathol. 2007 Nov;128(5):733-9. doi: 10.1309/HTREM6QYQDYGNWYA.

Abstract

We studied 44 cases of small cell bladder carcinoma (SCBC) and 2 cases of large cell neuroendocrine bladder carcinoma (LCNBC) to determine the immunohistochemical profile and biologic behavior. Thyroid transcription factor (TTF)-1, cytokeratin (CK)20, chromogranin A (CgA), synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and Leu-7 studies were performed. TTF-1+ cases were stained for surfactant protein A (SP-A). The immunohistochemical profile for 44 SCBC cases was as follows: TTF-1+, 11 (25%); CK20+, 3 (7%); CgA+, 13 (30%); synaptophysin+, 22 (50%); NSE+, 35 (80%); and Leu-7+, 30 (68%), and for 2 LCNBC cases was as follows: TTF-1+, 2 (100%); CgA+, (50%); synaptophysin+, 1 (50%); NSE+, 2 (100%); and Leu- 7+, 2 (100%). All cases with TTF-1 expression were negative for SP-A, except 1 case. This case was a mixed SCBC with TTF-1 expression in the urothelial component, which also expressed SP-A. Immunohistochemical markers were not associated with survival. The prognosis of SCBC is relatively better than its pulmonary counterpart. LCNBC seems to be a rarely recognized entity. TTF-1 expression is not limited to small cell lung carcinoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / chemistry*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / mortality
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Neoplasm Proteins