Related Experiment Videos
Expression of stem cell factor in basal cell carcinoma
T Yamamoto1, I Katayama, K Nishioka
1Department of Dermatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University School of Medicine, Japan.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Stem cell factor (SCF) is abundant in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumors, leading to increased mast cells in the stroma. This suggests SCF plays a role in BCC development and associated stromal changes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of human cancer.
- Stem cell factor (SCF) is a cytokine known to influence cell growth, differentiation, and survival.
- The role of SCF in BCC pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and expression of SCF in various subtypes of BCC.
- To correlate SCF expression with stromal changes, particularly mast cell infiltration and fibroplasia.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect SCF expression in 18 BCC samples.
- SCF distribution was analyzed in tumor islands, stroma, and overlying epidermis.
- Mast cell numbers were quantified in peritumoral stroma and compared to normal skin.
Main Results:
- SCF was positively expressed in tumor islands of all BCC subtypes examined.
- SCF expression was particularly strong in the center of tumor islands in nodular, superficial, and morphoeic BCCs.
- A significant increase in mast cell numbers was observed in the peritumoral stroma of BCCs compared to normal skin, correlating with SCF presence.
Conclusions:
- Tumor-derived SCF likely contributes to the increased mast cell infiltration observed in the stroma of BCCs.
- SCF may play a role in inducing fibroplasia of the surrounding stroma in BCCs.
- These findings highlight SCF as a potential therapeutic target in BCC treatment.