Detection of the CD56+/CD45- immunophenotype by flow cytometry in neuroendocrine malignancies.

ABSTRACT: AIMS:Antibodies against CD56 are primarily used in flow cytometric studies to detect natural killer cells. However, they may be useful in the identification of neuroendocrine malignancies, especially if the cells do not express CD45, indicating a non-leucocyte origin. METHODS:A retrospective review was conducted on all solid tissue flow cytometric studies performed between January 1997 and September 2001, to identify all cases with a CD56+/CD45- immunophenotype. RESULTS:Twelve neuroendocrine malignancies (five metastatic small cell carcinomas, three Merkel cell carcinomas, two metastatic undifferentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, one metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma, and one neuroblastoma) were identified. CONCLUSIONS:CD56+/CD45- neuroendocrine malignancies are only rarely d

SUBMITTER: Bryson GJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1769705 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature