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A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells
Published on: September 7, 2011
Vasculogenic mimicry has no prognostic significance in pT3 and pT4 cutaneous melanoma
Daniela Massi1, Alessandro Franchi, Milena Paglierani
1Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Abstract:
The concept of vasculogenic mimicry has been introduced to define periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive channels and loops lined by tumor cells, instead of endothelium, able to contribute to microcirculation in uveal melanomas. Previous studies have shown that the PAS-positive patterns are associated with a poor prognosis in uveal melanoma. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether vasculogenic mimicry has a prognostic impact in pT3 and pT4 cutaneous melanoma. Fifteen patients with pT3 and pT4 cutaneous melanoma who did not experience progression after 10 years of follow-up and 30 matched controls who underwent progression were selected. Tumor sections were stained with PAS reaction, omitting the nuclear counterstaining. For immunohistochemistry, sections were stained with CD31, CD105 (endoglin), and laminin. Differences in the distribution of the PAS-positive patterns and a series of clinicopathological variables were evaluated by the Pearson chi(2) and Mann-Whitney U tests. We observed PAS-positive linear sheets, arcs, elliptical loops, and networks encircling roundish to oval aggregates of melanoma cells. The overall distribution of the PAS-positive patterns did not match with the blood microvessels' architecture as detected by immunohistochemical analysis. No statistically significant differences in the distribution of PAS-positive patterns were found between cases and controls. The presence of a parallel pattern correlated significantly with thickness (P = 0.04), whereas an inverse correlation was found with vessel area (P = 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that there is a mismatch between vasculogenic mimicry and tumor angiogenesis and do not support any prognostic role of vasculogenic mimicry in thick cutaneous melanoma.
Insights
Vasculogenic mimicry, characterized by tumor cell-lined channels, does not appear to predict outcomes in thick cutaneous melanoma. This study found no significant prognostic role for these patterns in advanced skin cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) involves tumor cells forming PAS-positive channels, mimicking microvasculature.
- Previous research linked VM to poor prognosis in uveal melanoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prognostic significance of VM in pT3 and pT4 cutaneous melanoma.
- To determine if VM patterns correlate with clinical outcomes in advanced skin cancer.
Main Methods:
- Tumor sections from 15 pT3/pT4 cutaneous melanoma patients with 10-year progression-free survival and 30 matched controls were analyzed.
- Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining identified VM patterns.
- Immunohistochemistry for CD31, CD105, and laminin assessed blood vessel architecture.
- Statistical analysis (Pearson chi², Mann-Whitney U) compared VM distribution and clinicopathological variables.
Main Results:
- PAS-positive patterns (linear sheets, arcs, loops, networks) were observed, distinct from endothelial blood vessels.
- No significant difference in VM pattern distribution was found between progression-free patients and those who progressed.
- A parallel VM pattern correlated with increased tumor thickness but inversely with vessel area.
Conclusions:
- The study found a mismatch between VM and tumor angiogenesis in thick cutaneous melanoma.
- Vasculogenic mimicry does not appear to have a prognostic role in pT3 and pT4 cutaneous melanoma.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of VM in different cancer types.
