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Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in benign naevi and malignant melanomas

N L Hansen1, E Ralfkiaer, K Hou-Jensen

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is expressed in both benign and malignant melanocytic lesions. ICAM-1 expression in melanomas is not a reliable indicator for diagnosis or prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Dermatology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion during immune responses.
  • ICAM-1 is expressed on various cell types, including those found in melanocytic lesions.
  • Previous studies suggested ICAM-1 expression might differentiate benign nevi from malignant melanomas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of ICAM-1 in benign nevi and malignant melanomas.
  • To determine if ICAM-1 expression levels correlate with tumor malignancy, invasion, or metastatic potential.

Main Methods:

  • Biopsy samples from 7 benign nevi and 33 malignant melanomas were analyzed.
  • Reactivity was assessed using a monoclonal anti-ICAM-1 (CD54) antibody.

Main Results:

  • The majority of malignant melanomas showed positive ICAM-1 expression.
  • Metastatic melanomas exhibited the most abundant ICAM-1 staining, while primary melanomas showed variable and weaker staining.
  • ICAM-1 expression was also detected in benign nevi, and no correlation was found between ICAM-1 levels and tumor invasion depth.

Conclusions:

  • ICAM-1 expression is not exclusive to malignant melanomas and is present in benign nevi.
  • The findings contradict earlier reports suggesting ICAM-1's diagnostic or prognostic value in melanocytic tumors.
  • ICAM-1 is unlikely to be a significant biomarker for diagnosing or predicting the outcome of melanocytic lesions.

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