The role of E-cadherin/catenin complex in laryngeal cancer

In this review the role of the epithelial E-cadherin/catenin complex in cases of laryngeal cancer is discussed. Cancer of the larynx remains the second most common head and neck malignancy. The E-cadherin/catenin complex expression is abnormal in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Loss or reduction of E-cadherin expression is especially observed in supraglottic larynx cancer in relation with poor histological differentiation and/or lymph nodes metastases. Controversial results in some studies regarding the role of the E-cadherin/catenin complex in various anatomical parts of the larynx have been reported. Further studies are needed to establish the importance of the E-cadherin/catenin complex as a potential biomarker in laryngeal cancer diagnosis and prognosis.