Satellitosis and CD117 immunohistochemical expression correlates with poor outcome in thick vulvar melanoma

G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2017 Feb;152(1):8-12. doi: 10.23736/S0392-0488.16.05192-0. Epub 2016 Jul 5.

Abstract

Background: Melanoma of the vulva is the second most common vulvar cancer after epidermoid carcinoma. Patients suffering from this disease usually present with a late-stage disease with a poor prognosis. The prognostic factors reported in previous studies are not homogeneous and the clinical/pathogenic role of c-KIT expression is not clear. Breslow staging currently is the most accurate predictor factor.

Methods: A clinicopathological study with literature review was performed to identify predictors of prognosis and survival in melanoma of the vulva and investigated the expression of c-KIT (by immunohistochemistry) in 10 patients from the National Institute for Cancer Research (Mexico City).

Results: The 10 patients enrolled were all older women with delayed presentation, high-stage disease and limited response to treatment. Five patients (50%) were found to have c-KIT expression; 4 of them recurred (P=0.01), and ultimately 3 died (P=0.038). We identified satellitosis and c-KIT expression as prognostic predictors for death.

Conclusions: We conclude that c-KIT expression is a valuable predictor of prognosis and survival, especially in thick (>4 mm) melanomas.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Mexico
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / metabolism*
  • Survival
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit