Work

Decreased VDR expression in cutaneous melanomas as marker of tumor progression: new data and analyses.

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vitamin D3, acting via vitamin D receptor (VDR) affects a wide range of biological activities, including inhibition of proliferation and angiogenesis, with net antitumor effects. VDR expression is disturbed in many tumors, including melanomas. AIM: To find correlation between VDR expression in melanomas and prognostic biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VDR was analyzed immunohistochemically in 69 cutaneous melanomas in relation to prognostic factors. RESULTS: Less advanced melanomas showed significantly higher VDR expression than the advanced stages. The presence of other markers such as ulceration and lack or non-brisk tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was accompanied by significantly lower VDR expression. VDR expression also affected overall survival (OS) with most noticeable effect in the cases without ulceration. CONCLUSION: High VDR expression determines a less malignant phenotype and is related to better prognosis. Loss of VDR expression affects melanoma tumor behavior, allowing for progression of disease. VDR expression can also serve as a prognostic marker in routine histopathology evaluation.

Source: PubMed

Authors: Anna A Brożyna, Wojciech Jóźwicki, Andrzej T Slominski

Institutions: Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Language: English

Topic: Cutaneous Melanoma Detection and Management

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Awards: Novel Biosynthethic Pathway for Secosteroids and the Skin, Role of Exogenous Melatonin in Skin Biology