Extra c-myc oncogene copies in high risk cutaneous malignant melanoma and melanoma metastases
2001
Extra c-myc oncogene copies in melanoma
Sample size: 53
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Kraehn G M, Utikal J, Udart M, Greulich K M, Bezold G, Kaskel P, Leiter U, Peter R U
Primary Institution: Department of Dermatology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
Hypothesis
The study investigates the association of c-myc gene amplification with advanced cutaneous melanoma.
Conclusion
The presence of extra c-myc copies may be linked to advanced stages of cutaneous melanoma.
Supporting Evidence
- 4 out of 8 primary melanomas showed additional c-myc signals.
- 11 out of 33 melanoma metastases showed additional c-myc signals.
- None of the nevi, safety margins, or normal skin samples demonstrated c-myc gain.
- 72.7% of patients with c-myc extra copies had visceral melanoma metastases.
- Melanoma metastases expressed c-myc at a higher level (17.5%) compared to nevi (6.6%) and primary melanomas (5.0%).
Takeaway
Researchers found that melanoma patients with extra copies of a gene called c-myc are more likely to have advanced cancer.
Methodology
The study used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and RT-PCR to evaluate c-myc gene alterations in melanoma samples.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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