Immunohistochemical expression of Ki67, CD10, BRAF, and α-SMA tumour markers in ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst.

Abstract

Certain tumour markers may play a role in the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), and may aid the initial diagnostic assessment in selected cases, or possibly serve as prognostic indicators. An immunohistochemical (IHC) study was undertaken to observe the staining patterns of Ki67, CD10, BRAF, and α-SMA tumour biomarkers in relation to ameloblastoma and OKC. Patients treated for ameloblastoma or OKC at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2020, inclusive, were included. Selected paraffin tissue blocks were retrieved, and slides underwent IHC staining for Ki67 and CD10 (both OKC and ameloblastoma cases) and for BRAF and α-SMA (ameloblastoma cases). Differences were observed in CD10 expression between lesions, with inflammation influencing increased expression in OKC, while unicystic ameloblastoma was usually CD10-positive (87.5%) regardless of inflammation. CD10 and BRAF demonstrated significant differences in location, both presenting higher in mandibular than maxillary ameloblastoma. The study findings suggest that some tumour markers may assist as diagnostic tools in odontogenic lesions; however, tumour marker expression did not demonstrate utility as a prognostic biomarker in ameloblastoma or OKC, where treatment decisions likely played a larger role in the risk of recurrence.