Purpose

Deregulation of apoptotic pathways in cutaneous malignant melanoma appears to be correlated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis. Furthermore, telomerase (especially h-TERT) expression induces proliferation and also represents a potential target for vaccination regarding some types of malignancies.

Materials and methods

Using tissue microarrays (TMA) technology, 25 paraffin-embedded tissue samples of histologically confirmed malignant melanomas were cored at a diameter of 2 mm and re-embedded into one recipient block (final TMA density 24/25-96%). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed by the use of anti-bcl-2, anti-caspase 3, anti-caspase 8 and anti-h-TERT antibodies. Protein expression levels were evaluated using a computerized image analysis system (CIA). SPSS (chi square test and inter-rater kappa) was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Strong protein expression was observed in 1/24 (4.1%), 1/24 (4.1%), 2/24 (8.2%), and 4/24 (16.4%) cases regarding h-TERT, caspase 3, caspase 8 and bcl-2, respectively. Moderate was observed in 7/24 (29.1%), 8/24 (32.2%), 5/24 (20.2%), and 8/24 (32.2%) cases, whereas reduced or absent expression demonstrated 16/24 (65%), 15/24 (60.2%), 17/24 (68.5%), and 12/24 (50%) cases. Statistical significance was assessed correlating age to caspase 3 (p= 0.05), Breslow's thickness to telomerase (p= 0.013) and to bcl-2 (p= 0.053), Clark's level to telomerase (p= 0.008) and to bcl-2 (p= 0.022), and finally ulceration to telomerase expression (p= 0.007).

Conclusion

bcl-2 and telomerase expression are correlated to critical parameters of malignant melanoma, affecting its biological behavior. Furthermore, downregulation of proteins such as caspases 3/8, which normally induce apoptosis, is perhaps associated with resistance of the applied chemotherapeutic strategies in this type of malignancy.