Significance of Ephrin type-B receptor 2 (EphB2) and Cell Adhesion Molecule 4 (CADM4) expression in gastric carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study

Abdalla, Rana M.; Abdrabh, Rasha M.; Abostate, Hanaa M.; Abostate, Ahmed M.; Emara, Nashwa M.; Zafer, Nehal S.; El-Sawi, Rasha M.

doi:10.21608/bmfj.2025.397157.2490

Significance of Ephrin type-B receptor 2 (EphB2) and Cell Adhesion Molecule 4 (CADM4) expression in gastric carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University

² Assistant Professor of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University

³ Pathology department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

⁴ Lecturer of general surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University

⁵ Professor of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University

10.21608/bmfj.2025.397157.2490

Abstract

Background: Globally, Gastric carcinoma (GC) is one of the most common cancers and leading causes of cancer death. The role of EphB2 and CADM4 in initiation or progression of cancers was assessed in multiple studies. However, there is a debate about their role in GC. Aim: To evaluate EphB2 and CADM4 immunohistochemical expression in GC and its precursor lesions to assess their possible roles. Material and method: In this retrospective study, EphB2 and CADM4 immunostaining was performed for 50 selected cases of GC, 10 cases of chronic gastritis, 6 cases of chronic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia and 6 cases of gastric adenoma. Results: There was a highly significant statistical difference between the study groups regarding EphB2 and CADM4 expression (P= 0.002 and < 0.001 respectively). EphB2 expression was significantly associated with increased depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and advanced stage (P= 0.006, 0.026, 0.016 and < 0.001 respectively). Loss of CADM4 expression was significantly associated with certain histopathological subtypes, high grade tumors, distant metastasis and advanced stage (P= 0.032, 0.015, 0.007 and 0.012 respectively). Low CADM4 expression was significantly associated with increased depth of tumor invasion, distant metastasis and advanced stage (P= 0.027, 0.006 and 0.003 respectively). Conclusion: EphB2 and CADM4 may have a role in pathogenesis and progression of GC and may work combined as useful prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for GC patients.

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