Immunologic escape and angiogenesis in human malignant melanoma - 29/08/11
Abstract |
Background |
Melanoma escape mechanisms include immunosuppressive and angiogenic cytokine production.
Objective |
We sought to determine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression by immunohistochemistry, and soluble circulating plasma levels of VEGF, bFGF, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β2 in patients with different stages of melanoma.
Methods |
Biopsy specimens from 42 patients with primary melanoma and 9 with cutaneous metastases were studied by immunohistochemistry. In another 46 patients with melanoma (8 stage I and II; 18, III; and 20, IV) and in 10 healthy control participants, bFGF, VEGF, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β2 circulating levels were analyzed.
Results |
bFGF was positive in 85% and VEGF in 47.5% of 42 primary melanomas. Of 10 patients with primary melanoma (Breslow depth 1.5-3 mm) 6 were VEGF positive and had metastases develop, whereas 4 were VEGF negative and had no metastases at 5 years of follow up. VEGF, bFGF, and IL-10 plasma levels in patients with stages III and IV melanoma were higher than the control group (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). An inverse relationship was found between VEGF and IL-10. Specifically, in 7 patients with IL-10 levels higher than 10 pg/mL, VEGF levels were less than 49 pg/mL (P < .05); in 9 patients with VEGF levels higher than 100 pg/mL, IL-10 levels were less than 6.7 pg/mL (P < .01).
Conclusion |
VEGF expression in 1.5- to 3.0-mm Breslow depth melanomas may be considered as an unfavorable prognostic factor. Immunosuppressive (IL-10, transforming growth factor-β2) and proangiogenic (bFGF, VEGF) cytokines are increased in metastatic melanoma. Inverse plasma levels between IL-10 and VEGF in patients with metastatic melanoma are shown in vivo for the first time, the significance of which must be further investigated.
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Supported by a grant from the Gobierno de Navarra. Conflicts of interest: None identified. |
Vol 49 - N° 2
P. 255-263 - août 2003 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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