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Expression of Lefty predicts Merkel cell carcinoma-specific death
T Gambichler1, S Ardabili1, K Lang2
1Skin Cancer Center, Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Summary
Low Lefty and Nodal expression in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) correlates with poorer patient outcomes. Specifically, reduced Lefty expression is a significant predictor of MCC-specific mortality.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Lefty and Nodal are TGF-β superfamily proteins involved in embryonic development and cancer progression.
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) exhibits a notable left-sided laterality, prompting investigation into Lefty and Nodal's role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Lefty and Nodal are expressed in MCC.
- To correlate their expression patterns with MCC laterality and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to assess Lefty and Nodal expression in 29 primary MCC tumors.
- Histology (H-)scores were calculated and correlated with clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- Lefty and Nodal were frequently expressed in MCC, with significant correlation between their expression levels.
- No significant correlation was found between Lefty/Nodal expression and tumor laterality, gender, age, viral status, disease stage, or relapse.
- Low Lefty and Nodal expression were significantly associated with MCC-specific death on univariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Lefty and Nodal are commonly expressed in MCC but do not correlate with tumor laterality.
- Low Lefty expression in primary MCC serves as a strong predictor of MCC-specific mortality.
