Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Mitotic rate in melanoma: a reexamination
Maria Gallego Attis1, Robin T Vollmer
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 6, 2007
Summary
Mitotic rate is linked to cutaneous melanoma survival but isn't an independent factor. Tumor thickness is most important, so routine mitotic rate reporting isn't essential, but continued study is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cutaneous melanoma prognosis relies on histologic factors.
- The prognostic value of mitotic rate requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reexamine the relationship between mitotic rate and overall survival in cutaneous melanoma.
- To determine the independent prognostic value of mitotic rate compared to tumor thickness and ulceration.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of over 1,200 cutaneous melanoma cases with long-term follow-up.
- Statistical examination of mitotic rate, tumor thickness, ulceration, patient age, and tumor site in relation to survival outcomes.
Main Results:
- Mitotic rate significantly correlates with survival (P < 4 x 10(-8)) and is more prognostic than ulceration.
- Mitotic rate is not an independent prognosticator, being associated with tumor thickness and ulceration.
- Tumor thickness emerged as the most critical among the interrelated histologic variables.
Conclusions:
- While mitotic rate is a significant prognostic factor, its interrelation with tumor thickness and ulceration limits its independent utility.
- Routine reporting of mitotic rate in cutaneous melanoma may not be necessary due to time constraints and limited additional prognostic information.
- Continued measurement of mitotic rate in academic settings and its inclusion in future research on melanoma prognosis and adjuvant therapies are advised.
