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Pediatr Dermatol 2019 Feb 22. Epub 2019 Feb 22.

Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado.

Background: Melanoma is a rare diagnosis in the pediatric population. Differences in incidence, presentation, and survival distinguish pediatric melanoma from adult melanoma. In order to improve our understanding of pediatric melanoma, our case series investigates differences in incidence, age of onset, and anatomic site between male and female pediatric melanoma patients in Colorado between 1988 and 2015. Read More

Case Rep Dermatol 2019 Jan-Apr;11(1):1-6. Epub 2019 Jan 10.

Department of Dermatology, The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow, United Kingdom.

Surgical excision represents the primary treatment for malignant melanoma. On occasion, however, surgery may not be possible, and a different approach is required. Imiquimod is a Toll-like receptor 7 agonist involved in the activation of the innate immune system. Read More

Histopathology 2019 Feb 21. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.

Aims: Melanocytic nevi are benign lesions of the skin or mucosa, which may constitute non-obligate precursors of malignant melanoma, particularly when displaying lentiginous and dysplastic features. Here we sought to interrogate the repertoire of somatic genetic alterations in melanocytic nevi.

Methods And Results: DNA extracted from 12 melanocytic nevi and matching normal tissue were separately microdissected and subjected to targeted massively parallel sequencing targeting ≥300 cancer genes. Read More

BMC Endocr Disord 2019 Feb 19;19(1):25. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Internal Medicine 1, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1, Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors including nivolumab, an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibody, are recently developed cancer immunotherapy agents. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are known to cause autoimmune-related side effects including endocrine dysfunctions. However, there are few reports on late-onset isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency caused by nivolumab. Read More

Cells 2019 Feb 18;8(2). Epub 2019 Feb 18.

Department of Dermatology and The Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8059, USA.

According to estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, by the year 2030 there will be 22 million new cancer cases and 13 million deaths per year. The main cause of cancer mortality is not the primary tumor itself but metastasis to distant organs and tissues, yet the mechanisms of this process remain poorly understood. Leukocyte⁻cancer cell fusion and hybrid formation as an initiator of metastasis was proposed more than a century ago by the German pathologist Prof. Read More

Dermatol Pract Concept 2019 Jan 31;9(1):54-62. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Second Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Background: mutations are a common finding in malignant melanoma (MM). Nevertheless, apart from their significance as a therapeutic target in advanced melanoma, their prognostic value is still debated.

Objective: To assess mutation status in primary, recurrent, or metastatic MM and its correlations with histopathological findings. Read More

Jpn J Clin Oncol 2019 Feb 12. Epub 2019 Feb 12.

Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

Background: Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibodies (αPD-1mAbs) have been shown to be effective for advanced malignant melanoma. Treatment with αPD-1mAbs can also cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs). However, clinical predictive factors for treatment responses or irAE risk remain unclear. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2019 Jan 15. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy.

Following the reading of the original article "Surgical-site infection following lymph node excision indicates susceptibility for lymphedema: A retrospective cohort study of malignant melanoma patients", the authors reviewed the literature for the discussed therapeutic value of complete lymph node dissection (CLND), the major complications and the current treatment for lymphedema. The authors also share their experience and protocol for CLND, and treating lymphedema using lymph node flap transfer and multiple lymphatic-venous anastomoses. Read More

Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019 Feb 7:e27648. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Department of Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology Section, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Background: Epidemiological knowledge and predictors of melanoma among children and adolescents in multiethnic populations are limited.

Procedure: Using data from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 13 database, we identified incident melanoma cases diagnosed at 0-20 years old during 1995-2013 in Texas and the United States, respectively. Using negative binomial regression, associations between demographic factors and melanoma incidence rates (IR) were evaluated by calculating incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Read More

Front Immunol 2019 22;10. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.

Robust anti-tumor immunity requires innate as well as adaptive immune responses. We have shown that plasmacytoid dendritic cells develop killer cell-like activity in melanoma cell cocultures after exposure to the infectious but replication-deficient herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) 106S. To combine this innate effect with an enhanced adaptive immune response, the gene encoding human MelanA/MART-1 was inserted into HSV-1 106S via homologous recombination to increase direct expression of this tumor antigen. Read More

Front Oncol 2018 21;8:675. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Japan.

DNA methylation is considered the primary epigenetic mechanism underlying the development of malignant melanoma. Since DNA methylation can be influenced by environmental factors, it is preferable to compare cancer and normal cells from the same patient. In order to compare the methylation status in melanoma tissues and melanocytes from the same individuals, we employed a novel epidermal sheet cultivation technique to isolate normal melanocytes from unaffected sites of melanoma patients. Read More

Trials 2019 Feb 4;20(1):99. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany.

Background: Melanoma has become a growing interdisciplinary problem in public health worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of melanoma is increasing faster than any other cancer in the world. Because melanoma metastasizes early into the regional lymph nodes, sentinel lymph node excision (SLNE) is included in the current American Joint Committee of Cancer guidelines. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2019 Feb 1;11(2). Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary.

The incidence of malignant melanoma, one of the deadliest cancers, continues to increase. Here we tested connexin (Cx) expression in primary melanocytes, melanoma cell lines and in a common nevus, dysplastic nevus, and thin, thick, and metastatic melanoma tumor progression series involving the tumor microenvironment by utilizing in silico analysis, qRT-PCR, immunocyto-/histochemistry and dye transfer tests. Primary melanocytes expressed /Cx43, /Cx46 and low levels of /Cx26 and /Cx30. Read More

Methods Mol Biol 2019 ;1929:691-700

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

Malignant melanoma is a cancer with increasing incidence worldwide with relevant socioeconomic impact. Despite progress in prevention and early detection, it is one of the most lethal forms of skin cancer. Therefore it is urgent need to identify suitable biomarkers in order to improve early diagnosis, precise staging, and prognosis, as well as for therapy selection and monitoring. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Dermatology Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

Background: Advanced stage primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (PCMM) has a high mortality. PCMM may affect any area of the skin, including the nail apparatus (malignant melanoma or subungual melanoma). Although nail apparatus malignant melanoma (NAMM) is rare, delayed diagnosis carries a poor prognosis. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.

Background: Melanoma incidence rates rise as people age but the impact of aging on distant metastasis is unclear.

Objective: To investigate how timing, pattern and extent of distant metastasis is influenced by age.

Methods: Analysis of a single-center cohort of 1. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2019 Jan 25;20:106-110. Epub 2019 Jan 25.

Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, Japan.

BACKGROUND Ipilimumab is a therapeutic human monoclonal antibody that targets the T-cell inhibitory molecule, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), and is classified as an immune checkpoint inhibitor that has been shown to improve prognosis in patients with advanced melanoma. However, several immune-related adverse events have been reported to be associated with ipilimumab Treatment. A case of acute exacerbation of chronic adrenal insufficiency is presented that highlights that glucocorticoid dosage for patients undergoing steroid treatment at the time of ipilimumab treatment has yet to be established. Read More

J Dermatol 2019 Jan 23. Epub 2019 Jan 23.

Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.

BMJ Case Rep 2019 Jan 20;12(1). Epub 2019 Jan 20.

Oncology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

We report a case of a 51-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis who presented in 2012 with postmenopausal bleeding. Excision biopsy of a pigmented lesion of the labia minora was consistent with an ulcerated vulvar BRAF wild type malignant melanoma (MM). Initial excision was followed by radical vulvectomy and adjuvant interferon. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 Jan 14. Epub 2019 Jan 14.

Pigmented Lesion Clinic and Cutaneous Oncology Program, Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Electronic address:

Background: Amelanotic malignant melanoma (AMM) is challenging to diagnose. Clinical risk factors for AMM are not well defined.

Objective: To investigate clinicopathologic, misdiagnosis and survival differences between AMM versus (vs. Read More

Acta Derm Venereol 2019 01 17. Epub 2019 Jan 17.

Department of Dermatology and Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark.

Skin cancer has become the most common type of cancer worldwide as a result of environmental exposure and medical treatments. A small group of patients are genetically predisposed to skin cancer and this article is intended as a diagnostic tool when encountering patients with multiple skin cancer lesions. The disorders are described with clinical characteristics, genetics and management. Read More

Eur Radiol 2019 Jan 15. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Department of Radiology, Reims University Hospital, 45 rue Cognacq-jay, 51092, Reims, France.

Purpose: To determine whether texture analysis features on pretreatment contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images can predict overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) treated with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, pembrolizumab.

Materials And Methods: This institutional-approved retrospective study included 31 patients with metastatic MM treated with pembrolizumab. Texture analysis of 74 metastatic lesions was performed on CT scanners obtained within 1 month before treatment. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2019 Jan 11;11(1). Epub 2019 Jan 11.

Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69121 Heidelberg, Germany.

Regulation of particular genes during the formation of neural crest (NC) cells is also described during progression of malignant melanoma. In this context, it is of paramount importance to develop neural crest models allowing the identification of candidate genes, which could be used as biomarkers for melanoma prognosis. Here, we used a human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC)-based approach to present novel NC-associated genes, expression of which was upregulated in melanoma. Read More

Melanoma Res 2019 Jan 11. Epub 2019 Jan 11.

Department of Dermatology.

Long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) was confirmed to participate in the development of many cancers. However, the function of XIST in malignant melanoma (MM) remained largely unknown. In the current study, we found that the XIST expression level was upregulated in MM tissues and cell lines. Read More

J Transl Med 2019 Jan 11;17(1):20. Epub 2019 Jan 11.

Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.

Background: Melanoma cells develop adaptive responses in order to cope with particular conditions of tumor microenvironment, characterized by stress conditions and deregulated proliferation. Recently, the interplay between the stress response and the gene expression programs leading to metastatic spread has been reported.

Methods: We evaluated levels and localization of eIF2α/peIF2α in V600BRAF and wtBRAF metastatic melanoma cell lines by means of western blot and confocal microscopy analyses. Read More

J Dermatol 2019 Feb 11;46(2):80-94. Epub 2019 Jan 11.

Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan.

It has been considered that most cutaneous malignant melanomas arise from pre-existing melanocytic nevus. Many clinical and histopathological studies seem to support this concept. Dysplastic nevus originally proposed by Clark's group is a key entity of the intermediate lesion between benign nevus and melanoma. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2019 Jan 7. Epub 2019 Jan 7.

Department of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

Vitiligo-like depigmentation (VLD) is a characteristic cutaneous event described in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma receiving treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report the onset of VLD in three patients with other cancer types (cholangiocarcinoma, renal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) following treatment with immunotherapy (combination pembrolizumab and nivolumab for the first, and pembrolizumab for the other two cancer types). Cases of VLD have not been reported previously in patients treated for any of these cancers, to our knowledge. Read More

Melanoma Res 2019 Jan 4. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

Romagna Cancer Registry.

After a long-term increase, the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma has stabilized recently or even decreased in several populations of North-western Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, but not in southern Europe. The incidence trends of primary invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, codes C43.0-C43. Read More

J Robot Surg 2019 Jan 3. Epub 2019 Jan 3.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.

Following the interesting reading of the article "Robotic inguinal lymph node dissection for melanoma: a novel approach to a complicated problem", the authors review the pros and cons of a minimally invasive technique for lymph node dissection, the consequences of complete lymph node dissection and the possible treatments for lymphedema, such as lymph node flap transfer and multiple lymphatic-venous anastomoses. The authors also review the possible benefits of applying the robotic technique to anatomical sites other than the inguinal one. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Dec;97(52):e13810

Skin Cancer Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST), IRCCS, Meldola.

Rationale: The introduction of immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of solid neoplasms is associated with the need to know and manage a new type of side effects that are commonly defined immune-mediated adverse events. Dermatologic immune-mediated adverse events are relatively common. Vitiligo-like lesions, defined as hypopigmented skin lesions, have already been associated with the use of ICIs in particular in patients with malignant melanoma, probably due to a common autoimmune mechanism against both melanoma cells and normal melanocytes. Read More

Cancer Manag Res 2018 27;10:6399-6407. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Department of Dermatology, Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China,

Introduction: Human malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly malignant tumor of cutaneous melanocytes with a fast progression. We investigated the cellular effects of pyrroline-5- carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) in the MM cell lines, A375 and M14.

Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis were performed to evaluate the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of MM cell lines, respectively. Read More

Photochem Photobiol 2019 Jan 28;95(1):140-153. Epub 2018 Dec 28.

Division of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disease caused by deficiency in repair of DNA lesions generated by ultraviolet radiation and other compounds. Patients with XP display pigmentary change and numerous skin cancers in sun-exposed sites, and some patients show exaggerated severe sunburns even upon minimum sun exposure as well as neurological symptoms. We conducted a nationwide survey for XP since 1980. Read More

Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018 Nov 21;6(11):2155-2160. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

Medical Institute of Ministry of Interior (MVR), Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatologic Surgery, General Skobelev Nr 79, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Background: Simultaneous occurrence of multiple primary melanomas is a rare, however possible phenomenon, and it is believed that older, male, white, Atypical Mole Syndrome carriers (sporadic and familial) are part of the possible risk factors for its occurrence. In these patients, it is possible to observe involutional changes or (partial/complete) regression of melanocytic lesions, which are likely to be caused by the generation of a spontaneous immune reaction against specific tumour antigens.

Case Report: A 58-year-old male patient is presented with two melanocytic lesions located in the right clavicle (subclavicular area) and left the scapular area that meets clinically and dermatoscopically the requirements for malignant melanoma. Read More

JAAD Case Rep 2019 Jan 4;5(1):21-23. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 Feb 13;80(2):425-432. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC; Division of Dermatology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC. Electronic address:

Background: Management of inpatient skin disease represents a unique subspecialty within dermatology.

Objective: To assess the national burden of inpatient dermatology in adults.

Methods: Using the 2014 National Inpatient Sample, we performed a retrospective cohort study of adults hospitalized for dermatologic conditions. Read More

Arch Dermatol Res 2019 Mar 13;311(2):99-107. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Dermatology Department, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.

The histopathological differentiation of melanocytic nevi from malignant melanoma (MM) is based on well-known criteria, and is straightforward in the vast majority of cases. However, there are few cases of melanocytic lesions (ML), the diagnosis of which is very challenging or even impossible. Here we have studied several morphological characteristics with particular focus on elastic fibers (EF) to identify features, helpful for the distinction between nevi and MM. Read More

Oncol Lett 2018 Dec 9;16(6):7091-7096. Epub 2018 Oct 9.

Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, University of Torino, I-10126 Torino, Italy.

Recent studies reported the expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in malignant melanomas. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ALK expression is associated with specific clinical and molecular characteristics of melanoma metastases, and to evaluate its correlation with survival outcomes. Seventy-one patients with metastatic melanoma were investigated. Read More

Melanoma Res 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Section of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences.

The aim of the study was to assess the association between eruptive cherry angiomas (CAs) and malignant melanoma (MM). Secondary objectives included investigating (i) this association in different age subgroups, and (ii) the association of eruptive CAs with other variables such as malignant tumours, in general, and immunosuppressive treatments. This cross-sectional study involved all patients referred to the outpatient Dermatology-Oncology Units of the universities of Ferrara and Bologna, Italy, and submitted to total body skin examination. Read More

Head Neck 2019 Feb 7;41(2):E26-E29. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.

Background: Malignant melanomas on skin graft recipient sites are rare, with few cases reported in the literature.

Methods: We present a case report of a patient with recurrent cutaneous melanoma in the grafted anterolateral thigh flap of the tongue.

Results: A patient underwent hemiglossectomy with free flap reconstruction for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Read More

Cancer Res 2019 Feb 10;79(3):598-610. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University Medical Center and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, and Center of Excellence in Dermatology, Mannheim, Germany.

: The interaction of tumor cells with organ-specific endothelial cells (EC) is an important step during metastatic progression. Notch signaling in organ-specific niches has been implicated in mediating opposing effects on organotropic metastasis to the lungs and the liver, respectively. In this study, we scrutinized the role of endothelial Notch activation during liver metastasis. Read More

Oman J Ophthalmol 2018 Sep-Dec;11(3):265-266

Dr. R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (GCMNs) is mostly reported in area of trunk followed by limbs and head. Their incidence is <1:20,000 newborns It derives attention due to its association with malignant melanoma.The risk of developing malignant melanoma is between 5 to 10%. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2018 Nov;17(11):1220-1223

Importance: The 31 gene-expression profiling test (31-GEP) has been shown to provide useful prognostic information in patients with cutaneous melanoma. The test dichotomizes patients into lower risk (Class 1) or higher risk (Class 2) for melanoma metastasis. Previous studies have demonstrated the clinical utility of the test in impacting dermatologists’ management decisions. Read More

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2019 Feb;33(1):25-38

Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 41 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 319, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Melanoma Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Electronic address:

Melanoma is an increasingly common cancer in the United States, although mortality has likely stabilized. Diagnosis relies on a skilled practitioner with the aid of dermoscopy and initial local surgical management is a mainstay of treatment. Recent changes in staging emphasize continued use of sentinel lymph node biopsy to aid in prognostication although routine complete lymph node dissection has fallen out of favor. Read More

Cutis 2018 Oct;102(4):283-286

Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.

Trametinib, a mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor, has demonstrated great promise in treating metastatic melanoma associated with BRAF V600E and V600K mutations; however, it also is highly associated with cutaneous adverse events (AEs). As both BRAF and MEK inhibitors become increasingly used to treat malignant melanoma, it is important to better characterize these AEs so that we can manage them. Herein, we present a case of a 66-year-old man who developed erythematous scaly papules on the face and bilateral upper extremities after beginning therapy with trametinib. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2018 Nov 28:e12791. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Department of Dermatology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.

Braz J Med Biol Res 2018 Nov 23;52(1):e7952. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with a high mortality rate. Nucleolar protein 14 (NOP14) has been implicated in cancer development. However, the role of NOP14 in malignant melanoma progression remains largely unclear. Read More

J Cell Physiol 2019 May 27;234(5):5354-5361. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.

Cancer cells are considered to have high morphological heterogeneity in human melanoma tissue. Here, we report that epithelial cancer cells are dominant in different development stages of human melanoma tissues. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that maintain melanoma cells in the epithelial state are further investigated in the A2058 cell line. Read More

J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 2018 Dec;19(2):S89-S90

Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. Electronic address:

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive and lethal form of skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. In the past 5 years, the Food and Drug Administration has approved six targeted therapies or immunotherapies for the treatment of metastatic melanoma (Chapman et al., 2011; Falchook et al. Read More

Clin Epigenetics 2018 Nov 22;10(1):145. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.

Post-translational histone modifications such as acetylation and methylation can affect gene expression. Histone acetylation is commonly associated with activation of gene expression whereas histone methylation is linked to either activation or repression of gene expression. Depending on the site of histone modification, several histone marks can be present throughout the genome. Read More

Biosci Rep 2018 Dec 18;38(6). Epub 2018 Dec 18.

Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410008, P.R. China

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play substantial roles in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT1) has been shown to promote melanoma growth and metastasis We herein aim to investigate whether NFAT1 is capable to promote melanoma growth and metastasis by influencing TAM properties. Melanoma-conditioned TAMs were obtained from human monocytes after incubation with conditioned medium from A375 cell culture. Read More