LSBio

November is Lung Cancer awareness month. Did you know Lung cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.? It exists as three subtypes: non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), which are comprised of the adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma subtypes that together account for 75% of cases, and small cell lung cancers (neuroendocrine origin) which account for the remainder. The availability of targeted therapies makes it essential to correctly subtype NSCLCs. IHC markers such as NKX2-1 can be used to identify the subtype in cases where the morphology is unclear, or with biopsies where there is insufficient material to make the diagnosis. NKX2-1 (also known as TTF-1) is a transcription factor with a necessary function in the differentiation of lung, thyroid and forebrain cells, and it regulates the expression of surfactant proteins in the lung that are required for host defense and stability. NKX2-1 is a useful cancer marker for distinguishing a primary adenocarcinoma from other metastases, particularly when combined with Napsin A in a marker panel. It is often expressed in adenocarcinoma, where expression is correlated with EGFR mutation and also higher rates of survival in some patients.

Check out LSBio’s top recommended antibody to NKX2-1 / TTF-1 for use in immunohistochemistry: https://www.lsbio.com/pathplus-antibodies/anti-nkx2-1-antibody-thyroid-specific-tf-antibody-aa1-30-flow-ihc-wb-western-ihc-plus-ls-b10666/295331

Closing out Breast Cancer awareness month with a look at the EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) protein. EGFR (HER1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that constitutes one of four members of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase receptors. EGFR protein regulates a number of fundamental cell cycle pathways and is involved in migration and tumor invasion. Gene amplification of EGFR is a frequent occurrence in some types of breast cancer and also in numerous other tissues. Roughly half of triple negative and IBC (inflammatory breast cancer) cases show overexpression of this protein. Expression is generally associated with the basal subtype but is also seen in some luminal B tumors, and is correlated with lower ER / PR expression. Although present in normal cells, overexpression of EGFR is a predictor of advanced stage and metastatic potential in breast cancers, and has been associated with decreased survival. EGFR activation also plays a role in resistance to chemotherapy and radiation treatment in tumor cells. Antibodies to this target have been found to perform well in metastatic breast carcinomas.

Click the link to see LSBio’s top recommended antibody to EGFR for use in immunohistochemistry: https://www.lsbio.com/antibodies/ihc-plus-egfr-antibody-c-terminus-ihc-ls-a9400/4043