CK HMW or AE3 (Also known as 34BE12) recognises all basic cytokeratins and it is a broadly reactive antibody staining most epithelia and neoplasms. It produces a cytoplasmic staining and is useful in distinguishing Prostatic Adenocarcinoma from Hyperplasia of the Prostate.

Picture 1 – CK HMW positivity in Prostate

 

As can be seen below CK HMW has several different applications. Below are a few examples.

Tumour	CK HMW + or -
Prostatic Hyperplasia	Positive
Squamous cell carinoma	Positive
Hepatoma	Positive
Prostatic adenocarcinoma	Negative
Renal Cell carcinoma	Negative