Reduced membranous β-catenin protein expression is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that reduced membranous β-catenin protein expression was associated with the presence of distant metastasis and a poor prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Combined increased p53 and reduced membranous β-catenin protein expression indicated a very poor prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Further investigation is needed to understand the roles of β-catenin and p53 in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.