CD117/C-Kit

Background

CD117, a tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor protein encoded by proto-oncogene, is a specific marker for gastrointestinal stromal tumor immunohistochemistry. CD117 can also be used to identify mast cell tumors in lymphoma, and as a marker for some testicular germ cell tumors. Thymic squamous cell carcinoma is CD117 membrane/cytoplasm positive, which can be distinguished from other sources of squamous cell carcinoma and thymoma.