engleski

Potential markers of melanoma progression: preliminary study on nodular melanoma

Aim: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers with the constantly increasing incidence, whose migration, invasion and growth depends on adhesive and proteolitic mechanisms of neoplastic cells. Matrix metalloproteinase’s (MMPs) involved in degradation and remodeling of surrounding tissue play a critical role in tumor progression. Laminin and galectin-3, involved in cell adhesion, migration and growth are also substrates for MMP-2 and MMP-9. Therefore, we presumed that they might be used as potential markers of melanoma progression. Method: Protein expression pattern of MMP2, MMP9, laminin, and galectin-3 were determined by immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissue obtained from 27 nodular melanoma cases (15 female, 12 male). Obtained values were correlated using Spearman correlation rank. Results: The patient’s age median was 60 years. Median of tumor thickness was 2.3 mm and median of the Clark’s level of penetration was 3. Positive lymph nodes were exhibited in 48% of cases. All markers were expressed at higher values in melanoma cells, than in surrounding tissue. MMP2 was more prominent in zone with strong lymphocyte infiltration (P=0.018) and deeper layers of tumor penetration. MMP2 exhibited stronger correlation with laminin (P=0.035) while MMP9 correlated with galectin-3 expression (P<0.001). Laminin and galectin-3 were coexpressed in melanoma cells (P=0.044). Although not significant, decreased expressions of both markers were found in cases with positive lymph nodes. Conclusion: The study pinpointed the possible markers of melanoma progression. The higher MMP2 expression was found in deeper layers of tumor penetration. However, additional studies on larger cohort and other histological melanoma types are necessary for more precise conclusions.

melanoma ; matrix metalloproteinase ; laminin ; galectin-3

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