PLK-1 Immunoreactivity is Associated with Metastases in Cutaneous Melanoma

Abstract

Background

PLK-1 is one of the key regulators of cell cycle progression. Increased expression of PLK-1 was observed in several tumor types.

Methods

We immunohistochemically assessed PLK-1 expression in neoplastic and stromal compartments of 96 cutaneous melanomas, and analyzed associations between PLK-1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics.

Results

PLK-1 expression in cancer cells was not associated with basic clinical (e.g. age, gender, tumor location) or histopathological (e.g. Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, ulceration) parameters. However, increased PLK-1 was more frequent in tumors with concurrent regional nodal metastases and positive sentinel lymph node biopsy status. All primary tumors associated with coexisting distant metastases exhibited high PLK-1 expression in melanoma cells. Conversely, PLK-1 expression in stromal cells was more frequent in tumors without nodal metastases. PLK-1 expression in both compartments was not associated with survival.

Conclusion

PLK-1 expression is associated with metastatic potential in cutaneous melanoma.

http://ift.tt/2sGnyzM