Prognostic value of P63, Maspin, and MMP-2 expression in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma

Background: As one of the most malignant neoplasm of salivary glands, adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) displays epithelial and myoepithelial differentiation. The myoepithelial cells seem to act as tumor-suppressor via their secretory properties. Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the prognostic significance of p63 (myoepithelial cell marker), maspin, and MMP-2 expression in samples of ACC. Methods: P63, maspin, and MMP-2 expression were examined immunohistochemically in 32 cases with ACC. The relationship between markers expression and clinicopathologic data was assessed, using non-parametric tests and t test. Results: P63 and maspin expression demonstrated inverse significant correlation with histologic grade, respectively (P = 0.045, P = 0.019). Indeed, association between P63 and maspin expression was observed (r = 0.588, P < 0.001). Correlation between tumor size and lymph node metastasis was also found (P = 0.016). Conclusions: According to the correlation of P63 and maspin expression with histologic grade, as a prognostic determinant of ACC, P63 and maspin can be useful markers for predicting biologic behavior of ACC, which may lead to new treatment modality in salivary gland tumors containing myoepithelial cell. Furthermore, tumor size can be considered as an indicator of lymph node metastasis.