|
Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2005 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings.
Vol 23, No 16S (June 1 Supplement), 2005: 7534
© 2005 American Society of Clinical Oncology
Heparanase expression in melanoma
A. Kuten,
R. Abdah-Bortnyak,
N. Ilan,
V. Kaplan and
I. Vlodavsky
Rambam Medcl Ctr, Haifa, Israel; The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Tech, Haifa, Israel
7534
Background: No effective systemic treatment exists for advanced stage of melanoma. Identification of new markers involved in the initiation and progression of melanocytic tumorigenesis, that will be the basis for developing new therapeutic tools are still needed. The expression of the heparanase gene and its protein has been associated with metastatic potential of several human tumors. The purpose of the study is to determinate the expression of heparanase in nevus and melanoma in different stages of tumor progression and to evaluate the clinico-pathologic significance these findings. Methods: 60 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of nevus (15) and melanoma (45) were examined by immunohistochemical staining for heparanase expression. Results: No (in 7 specimens) or weak (+1 in 8) heparanase expression was detected in nevus. Heparanase was detected in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of heparanase positive cells. Heparanase expression +1 was confirmed in 11 specimens, +1–2 in 2 and +2 in 2 specimens of superficial spreading melanoma (Breslow <4 mm). Intermediate intensity staining (+2) was detected in 14 cases of thick melanoma (Breslow >4 mm) and only one case showed weak staining. Strong heparanase expression (+3) predominated in 10 cases from different metastatic sites and intermediate to strong staining in 5 specimens (3 from lymph nodes and 2 from lung metastases). Conclusions: Heparanase expression in melanoma is significantly correlated with tumor stage and metastatic potential.
No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Abstract presentation from the 2005 ASCO Annual Meeting
|
