Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Expression in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there is a correlation between neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) expression and perineural spread in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck (ACCHN). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records and immunohistochemical staining of specimens from 37 patients treated at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock from 1987 to 1997. METHODS: Sections from paraffin-embedded specimens were examined for the presence of NCAM using monoclonal anti-NCAM antibody by avidin-biotin-peroxidase immunohistochemical staining. NCAM staining was scored in each specimen and correlated with the data obtained from patient charts. RESULTS: Twenty-five of 37 specimens (68%) showed histopathological evidence of perineural spread. All 37 specimens (100%) stained positive for NCAM, regardless of perineural spread status. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the use of NCAM expression as a predictor of perineural spread is highly unlikely.