Stromal Expression of Actin is a Marker of Aggressiveness in Basal Cell Carcinoma

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the aggressiveness of basal cell carcinoma. By studying the expression of various gene products in basal cell carcinomas (n=30) and non-aggressive basal cell carcinomas (n=33), the team found that stromal expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin is a reliable and easy-to-use marker of aggressiveness in basal cell carcinomas. This marker can be used in clinical practice for surgical therapeutic decisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed the expression of Bcl-2, beta-catenin, cyclin D1, hMSH2, and alpha-smooth muscle actin in 63 basal cell carcinomas, including 30 aggressive and 33 non-aggressive cases.
  • The researchers found that stromal expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin is highly predictive of aggressive behavior in basal cell carcinomas (p<0.005).
  • Differential expression of Bcl-2, beta-catenin, and cyclin D1 was not significantly different between aggressive and non-aggressive tumors.
  • hMSH2 expression was up-regulated in aggressive tumors (p=0.005).
  • The study concluded that stromal expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin is an accurate and reliable marker of aggressiveness in basal cell carcinomas.
  • The researchers noted that their study provides conclusive evidence that alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in the stroma is a reliable marker of aggressiveness in basal cell carcinomas.
  • The study's findings have implications for surgical therapeutic decisions in the management of basal cell carcinomas.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed 63 basal cell carcinomas, including 30 aggressive and 33 non-aggressive cases.
  • Stromal expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin was highly predictive of aggressive behavior in basal cell carcinomas (p<0.005).
  • hMSH2 expression was up-regulated in aggressive tumors (p=0.005).
  • The study found that differential expression of Bcl-2, beta-catenin, and cyclin D1 was not significantly different between aggressive and non-aggressive tumors.

Sources:

  • Adegboyega, P. A., et al. "Stromal expression of actin is a marker of aggressiveness in basal cell carcinoma." Human Pathology 41.8 (2010): 1128-37.
  • Clinical Oncology Week editors. "Stromal expression of actin is a marker of aggressiveness in basal cell carcinoma." NewsRx.com, 2010.