Acrolentiginous melanomas

[摘要] ined for melanoma by Bastian et al. ALM and mucosal melanoma are suggested to show aberrations in the cKIT gene. It is involved in tumorigenic growth signaling. cKIT tyrosine kinase receptor has been yet proven as a successful target in chronic myeloid leukemia and in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Histologically, mucosal melanomas show ALM characteristics. Specific staining with proliferating cell nuclear antigen for cutaneous melanoma in general and cKIT protein expression for ALM and mucosal melanomas in particular, can help to identify this tumor in comparison with benign melanocytic lesions. Genetic aberrations do not necessarily correlate with the KIT protein expression. Several studies applying small molecule inhibitors such as Imatinib have been performed in patients with melanoma. Single-patient cases with known cKIT mutations revealed impressive clinical response....

[学科分类] 皮肤病学