Expression of the adhesion molecule CD44v3 is a prognostic factor in vulvar carcinoma.

Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of CD44v3 overexpression in vulvar cancer patients. Twenty-five cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages I to III were examined for overexpression of the CD44 isoform CD44v3. The correlation of CD44v3 overexpression with clinical stage, histologic grade and overall survival was investigated. Follow-up ranged from 36 to 120 months. Clinical stage and histologic grade did not correlate with CD44v3 overexpression. CD44v3 overexpression was associated with poorer overall survival (log rank: P < 0.03). Immunohistochemically detected CD44v3 overexpression is significantly correlated with a reduced overall survival rate for patients with vulvar carcinoma.