NKX3.1 is a
protein encoded by the NKX3-1 gene and has been found to
be positive in the vast majority of primary prostatic adenocarcinomas. A study has
shown the sensitivity for identifying metastatic prostatic adenocarcinomas was 98.6%
(68/69 cases positive) for NKX3.1 and 94.2% (65/69 cases positive) for
prostate specific antigen (PSA).
The specificity of NKX3.1 was 99.7% in various cancers and stains nuclei in
both normal and prostate cancer.
NKX3.1 antibody, used in combination with ERG monoclonal antibody [9FY],
may represent a superior combination to aid in identifying tumors of
prostatic origin.