Prognostic evaluation of cutaneous malignant melanoma: A clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study

✍ Scribed by Niezabitowski, Aleksander; Czajecki, Krzysztof; Ry?, Janusz; Kruczak, Anna; Grucha?a, Andrzej; Wasilewska, Anna; Lackowska, Bo?ena; Soko?owski, Andrzej; Szklarski, Wac?aw

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1999
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 254 KB
• Volume: 70
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-4790
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9098(199903)70:3<150::aid-jso2>3.0.co;2-z

✦ Synopsis

Background and Objectives: Depth of invasion and stage of the disease are established prognostic indicators in cutaneous malignant melanoma. The role of other parameters is still an open problem. Methods: In 93 consecutive patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma, the level of invasion, tumor thickness, ulceration, vascular invasion, lymphoplasmocytic infiltrates, and mitotic index were evaluated by histology. Expression of Ki-67 and PCNA proliferative antigens together with vimentin, S100, and HMB 45 proteins were assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results and Conclusions: Disease-free and overall survival were correlated with tumor stage, tumor thickness, level of invasion, macroscopic pattern, ulceration, vascular invasion, expression of HMB 45, PCNA, and Ki-67/MIB1. Stage, HMB 45, and PCNA were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival, whereas tumor stage, tumor thickness, and expression of both proliferative antigens influenced overall survival independently. The variables studied demonstrated reciprocal correlation; therefore, analysis of many prognostic parameters in malignant melanoma could be recommended.