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  • Title: Expression of milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-VIII may be an indicator of poor prognosis in malignant melanoma.
    Author: Oba J, Moroi Y, Nakahara T, Abe T, Hagihara A, Furue M.
    Journal: Br J Dermatol; 2011 Sep; 165(3):506-12. PubMed ID: 21574974.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-VIII (MFG-E8) is a secreted protein that binds phosphatidylserine and promotes apoptotic cell ingestion by phagocytes, mediating the immune tolerance and maintenance of homeostasis. A recent study has shown that MFG-E8 expression in human melanoma is increased with tumour progression; however, the effect of its expression on patient survival has not yet been clarified. OBJECTIVE: To analyse MFG-E8 expression in melanoma, and to determine whether it can serve as a marker for diagnosis, tumour progression and/or prognosis. METHODS: MFG-E8 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 60 primary melanomas, 22 metastatic lesions and 30 benign naevi. The following clinicopathological variables were evaluated: age, gender, histological type, tumour site, Breslow thickness, Clark's level, the presence or absence of ulceration and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, and survival periods. Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations and melanoma-specific survival. RESULTS: MFG-E8 expression was significantly higher in primary and metastatic melanoma than in naevus. Furthermore, it increased according to tumour progression and metastasis. Patients with MFG-E8 expression in primary tumours had significantly shorter survival periods than those without MFG-E8 expression. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that MFG-E8 expression was a statistically significant and independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: MFG-E8 expression may serve as a tumour progression marker and can predict an unfavourable prognosis in patients with melanoma.
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