An immunohistochemical evaluation of c-kit (CD-117) expression in malignant melanoma, and results of imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) therapy in three patients.
In order to determine whether imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that binds the CD-117 (c-kit) receptor, may be of value in the treatment of malignant melanoma, an immunohistochemical analysis of 40 cases of primary and metastatic melanoma was undertaken. Thirty-five of the 40 cases showed 1+ or stronger labelling for CD-117 (up to a maximum of 4+). Three patients with neoplasms showing 4+ staining were selected for imatinib therapy. None responded. c-kit (CD-117) expression in melanoma appears to be common; however, the value of imatinib therapy remains to be proven.
Alexis
John B
JB
The Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center of Greater Miami and The University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33140, USA.
Martinez
Antonio E
AE
Lutzky
Jose
J
D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary*; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000556:secondary*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit