Insulin Like Growth Factor II mRNA-Binding Protein 3 (IMP3) Immunohistochemical Expression in Salivary Glands Tumors- Local Study

Objective: To identify the relationship between the expression of IMP3 in benign and malignant tumors of salivary glands and other clinic-pathological variables. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six cases of salivary gland tumors were collected from the histopathology department, Gazi-Hariri hospital/ Baghdad Medical City from January 2021 to June 2021. Patients’ reports were included for diagnosis and clinicopathological data. Three histological sections were taken from the paraffin blocks for each case. The first section was stained with H&E stain, and the other two sections were stained with IMP3 (Dako-code M3626) monoclonal antibody by the immunohistochemical method. Results: Twenty-six cases of salivary gland tumor, with equal male/female distribution; the mean age for the patients was 45 years (19-60 years). There was no significant relationship between gender (P=.0.115), tumor size (P=0.359), tumor location (P=0.335), and tumor type (P=0.673) with positive expression of IMP3. Regarding malignant cases, no significant relation between IMP3 expression and tumor stage (P=1.000), and lymphovascular invasion (P=1.000). On the other hand, there was a highly significant relationship (P=0.000) between IMP3 expression and cell type (epithelial/mesenchymal). Conclusion: Imp3 might not be conclusive in differentiation between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Further studies with follow-up are needed to assess the prognostic value of this marker in salivary gland pathologies.