Immunohistochemical Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and C-KIT in Cutaneous Melanocytic Lesions

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and C-KIT are involved in tumor progression in several human neoplasms. The aim of the present study has been to investigate their immunohistochemical expression in melanocytic lesions. We examined 11 compound nevi, 12 dysplastic nevi, and 18 melanomas. Immu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of surgical pathology 2004-04, Vol.12 (2), p.133-138
Main Authors: Stefanou, Dimitrios, Batistatou, Anna, Zioga, Aikaterini, Arkoumani, Evdokia, Papachristou, Dionysios J., Agnantis, Niki J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomarkers, Tumor - metabolism
Cell Count
Diagnosis, Differential
Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome - metabolism
Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome - pathology
Humans
Immunoenzyme Techniques
Melanoma - metabolism
Melanoma - pathology
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit - metabolism
Skin Neoplasms - metabolism
Skin Neoplasms - pathology
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A - metabolism
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Summary:Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and C-KIT are involved in tumor progression in several human neoplasms. The aim of the present study has been to investigate their immunohistochemical expression in melanocytic lesions. We examined 11 compound nevi, 12 dysplastic nevi, and 18 melanomas. Immunostaining for VEGF was observed only in melanomas; c-kit expression was detected in melanomas (higher in radial than in vertical growth phase) and in nevi (predominantly in the junctional component). Our data indicate that assessment of VEGF expression might aid in the differential diagnosis between dysplastic nevi and melanomas. Moreover, VEGF might be a candidate for targeted therapy. The loss of c-kit expression might contribute to melanoma progression.
ISSN:1066-8969
1940-2465
DOI:10.1177/106689690401200206