[Study on vasculogenic mimicry in malignant melanoma].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the mode of angiogenesis between highly invasive malignant melanoma and poorly invasive malignant melanoma by immunohistochemistry and periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS) and to discuss whether the tumor cells in highly invasive malignant melanoma carry vasculogenic mimicry through self-metamorphosis, thus acquiring blood supply to sustain their growth.


METHODS
Thirty cases of highly invasive malignant melanoma and 30 cases of poorly invasive malignant melanoma were retrieved and reprocessed as tissue microarray for further investigations. The tissue microarray sections were then stained with CD34 and PAS; and the positivity rates were compared.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference between CD34 and PAS staining in highly invasive malignant melanoma (P < 0.01). The difference was not statistically significant in poorly invasive malignant melanoma (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Vasculogenic mimicry exists in some cases of highly invasive malignant melanoma. It is possible that the tumor cells can acquire blood supply to sustain growth and metastasize via this mechanism.
Sun
Bao-cun
BC
Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China.
Zhang
Shi-wu
SW
Zhao
Xiu-lan
XL
Hao
Xi-shan
XS
D018952:Antigens, CD34 / Q000032:analysis; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D018952:Antigens, CD34; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D007633:Keratins