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Metastatic uveal melanoma. A morphologic and immunohistochemical analysis
1Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Cancer
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Metastases from uveal melanoma show a higher grade of malignant cells, often epithelioid or nonclassifiable. The HMB-45 antibody is the most sensitive marker for analyzing these metastatic uveal melanoma cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Uveal melanoma exhibits late and liver-specific metastasis, unlike cutaneous melanoma.
- Primary and metastatic uveal melanomas present distinct histopathologic and immunohistochemical profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate histopathologic and immunohistochemical changes in primary uveal melanomas and their metastases.
- To compare cell types and marker expression between primary and metastatic uveal melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Assessed morphology and immunohistochemical reactivity of 29 primary uveal melanomas and their metastases.
- Utilized melanoma-associated antibodies: HMB-45, S-100 protein, and NKI-C3.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in cell type were observed between primary and metastatic uveal melanomas (P = 0.0001).
- Metastases predominantly featured epithelioid or nonclassifiable cells (82.5%).
- HMB-45 showed high positivity in both primary (93%) and metastatic (91%) lesions; S-100 and NKI-C3 showed variable expression.
Conclusions:
- Metastatic uveal melanomas consist of higher-grade malignant cells, with nonclassifiable types in 40% of lesions.
- HMB-45 is the most sensitive immunohistochemical marker for metastatic uveal melanoma.
- A panel of monoclonal antibodies, including HMB-45, is recommended for analyzing metastatic tumors of unknown origin.