Evaluation of CD10 Expression in Endometrial Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: CD10 is a membrane-bound metalloproteinase that plays a role in tumor progression and differentiation. Its diagnostic significance in endometrial carcinoma, especially in distinguishing between histological subtypes and invasion patterns, is still being studied. This systematic review aims to compile evidence on CD10 expression in endometrial carcinoma, focusing on its prevalence, staining patterns, and correlations with clinicopathological features. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase in March 2025, yielding 17 eligible studies. Data on CD10 expression, histological subtypes, staining localization, and associations with tumor grade, stage, and diagnostic utility were qualitatively synthesized. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. RESULTS: CD10 expression was predominantly observed in the stromal compartment of endometrioid carcinomas, with a periglandular or "fringe-like" pattern. Stromal expression levels were consistently high, whereas epithelial expression varied significantly. An inverse correlation between CD10 expression and tumor grade was observed, with lower expression in higher-grade tumors. The role of CD10 in differentiating myoinvasion from adenomyosis was limited, as both conditions exhibited overlapping staining patterns. Luminal epithelial staining in mesonephric-like adenocarcinomas was not exclusive, further complicating its diagnostic value. CONCLUSION: CD10 is a useful marker of stromal tissue in endometrial carcinoma and may aid in distinguishing histological patterns and mimics. However, its diagnostic and prognostic value is constrained by nonstandardized methods and overlapping expression profiles. Standardizing IHC protocols and conducting large-scale studies are essential to enhance CD10's clinical utility.