Fatty acid synthase (FASN) and Ki‐67 immunoexpression can be useful for the identification of malignant component in carcinoma ex‐pleomorphic adenoma

Abstract

Background

Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) is the key molecule for catalyzing fatty acid synthesis and have been associated with several malignant tumors.

Methods

We analyzed the expression of FASN and Ki‐67, by immunohistochemistry on 29 carcinomas ex‐pleomorphic adenoma (CXPAs) and 25 pleomorphic adenomas (PAs).

Results

Ki‐67 proliferation index and FASN expression were significantly higher in patients with CXPA than patients with PA (P < 0.001). We found intense immunoreactivity for FASN in the malignant component of CXPAs and these malignant areas also had intense nuclear immunoreactivity for Ki‐67.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that overexpression of FASN in CXPAs might be associated with malignant transformation of ductal epithelial cells and/or myoepithelial cells from PA. FASN associated with Ki‐67 may be useful diagnostic markers for CXPA.

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