Human pathology
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MOC-31 is a monoclonal antibody that has recently become commercially available that recognizes an epithelial-associated, transmembrane glycoprotein often expressed in epithelial tumors. Although some authors have indicated that MOC-31 immunostaining can assist in distinguishing epithelial mesotheliomas from metastatic adenocarcinomas to the pleura, others have concluded that this marker has no value in separating these conditions. ⋯ The staining in the two positive mesotheliomas was restricted to a few cells, in contrast to the pulmonary adenocarcinomas and most of the other carcinomas where it was often strong and diffuse. It is concluded that MOC-31 can be useful in separating epithelial pleural mesothelioma from pulmonary adenocarcinoma or from other epithelial malignancies involving the pleura.