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CD117 (KIT receptor) expression in Merkel cell carcinoma
Lyndon D Su1, Douglas R Fullen, Lori Lowe
1Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5224, U.S.A. lyndonsu@umich.edu
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|July 27, 2002
Summary
CD117 antigen, a KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, is expressed in most Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). This finding suggests a potential role for KIT in MCC development, similar to its role in other cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- The KIT receptor tyrosine kinase (CD117 antigen) is present in normal tissues and various cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia.
- CD117 expression is not typically associated with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of CD117 in Merkel cell carcinoma.
- To determine if CD117 expression has a role in MCC pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of CD117 expression in 22 cases of Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Evaluation of cytokeratin 20 positivity in diagnostic cases.
Main Results:
- 21 out of 22 (95%) Merkel cell carcinoma cases showed CD117 expression.
- CD117 expression intensity did not correlate with tumor aggressiveness.
- Two initial cases suspected as acute myeloid leukemia cutis were reclassified as MCC based on CD117 and cytokeratin 20 findings.
Conclusions:
- CD117 is highly expressed in Merkel cell carcinoma.
- The function of KIT in MCC remains unknown, but its role in other malignancies suggests potential involvement in MCC pathogenesis.
- CD117 expression may aid in the differential diagnosis of MCC.