Abstract
We have examined primary tumor sections from melanoma patients by immunohistochmistry (IHC) for the presence of the odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (ODAM). Within these patient tissues we have observed a correlation of nuclear ODAM staining in the primary tumors with sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis. Surgically, SLN invasion in melanoma is considered an important indicator of more aggressive, invasive melanoma and to date there are limited biomarkers which strongly correlate with metastatic disease. The observation that ODAM staining in melanoma associates with SLN invasion may have important prognostic implications which could assist in the management of melanoma. Notably, ODAM expression may correlate with pathway-signaling we have previously reported to be affected by ectopic ODAM expression in cultured melanoma and breast cancer cell lines.
Highlights
Melanoma metastasis is predicted by factors that reflect biologic behavior such as primary tumor Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, and ulceration [1,2]
The observation that odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (ODAM) staining in melanoma associates with sentinel lymph node (SLN) invasion may have important prognostic implications which could assist in the management of melanoma
Based on previous observations that lymph node-positive breast cancer patients are often positive for nuclear ODAM staining, together with the propensity of melanomas to metastasize into regional lymph nodes, we examined ODAM expression in primary tumors and lymph node biopsies of patients with SLN-positive (Stage III) and SLN-negative (Stage I-II) melanoma
Summary
Melanoma metastasis is predicted by factors that reflect biologic behavior such as primary tumor Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, and ulceration [1,2]. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) status in melanoma remains the single most important predictor of overall survival [3,4,5]. Survival rates of patients with an ulcerated melanoma and similar Breslow thickness are significantly worse compared to non-ulcerated matched primary tumors [2]. Many potential biomarkers for melanoma have been reported, but their clinical significance largely remains undetermined [6]. Molecular factors influencing primary melanoma growth and metastasis reflect dysregulation of normal cellular signaling pathways, and these factors continue to be intensively investigated, both with respect to potential therapeutic advances and for utility as prognostic indicators [7]
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