Merkel cell carcinoma: correlation of KIT expression with survival and evaluation of KIT gene mutational status.

ABSTRACT: Merkel cell carcinoma is one of the most aggressive primary cutaneous malignancies. Because some Merkel cell carcinomas express the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of KIT expression with the outcome and the presence of activating mutations in the KIT gene in Merkel cell carcinoma. A total of 49 tumors from 40 patients with a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma were identified, of which 30 cases from 21 patients were used in the study. KIT expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material. Cases were divided into low expressors (0-1+ staining intensity) and high expressors (2-3+ staining intensity). Direct sequencing of exons 9, 11, 13, 17, and 18 of the KIT gene spanning the extracellular, juxtamembrane, and tyro

SUBMITTER: Andea AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3164849 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature