BSF funded research advances melanoma prognosis: Identifying high-risk patients early
In this article
Understanding melanoma and the risk of recurrence
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer with increasing incidence worldwide. If the tumour is caught early and removed, the survival rate in patients is high, but a small number with stage I & II melanomas will unfortunately experience recurrence. BSF researchers have been working to identify which patients are at low or high risk of their melanoma recurring to help guide medical professionals in their follow-ups.
The role of AMBLor in melanoma prognosis
Previously, our researchers identified two proteins AMBRA1 and Loricrin (AMBLor) in the outer layer of the skin which are associated with low risk of disease progression. This research led to the development of the pioneering AMBLor melanoma prognostic test, which is now available to healthcare professionals. This test has the potential to help reduce anxiety for patients and strain on healthcare systems.
urther studies leading to the present application also showed the loss of one of these proteins AMBRA1, in the lining of blood vessels (endothelium) around the melanoma, is associated with melanomas at risk of secondary spread (metastasis).
Professor Penny Lovat
Implications for future melanoma treatment
The next step was to confirm whether endothelial AMBRA1 expression could be used to identify high risk early-stage melanomas and to define the mechanisms that led to its loss.
Evaluation of endothelial AMBRA1 in tumour sections derived from a patient cohort of stage I/II melanomas, revealed a significant increase in the number of blood vessels around the primary melanoma in which AMBRA1 expression was lost in tumours that subsequently developed metastasis compared to those that did not.
Researcher Dr Ioana Cosgarea
What this means for patients and healthcare professionals
This research combined with previous studies into the TGF-β family proteins, suggests that loss of endothelial AMBRA1 may aid the identification of stage I & II melanomas at increased risk of disease recurrence and their stratification for possible future treatment strategies with novel generation TGF-β family inhibitors.
Professor Penny Lovat, Professor of Cellular Dermatology and Oncology at Newcastle University.
Dr Ioana Cosgarea, Clinician scientist and specialty doctor in dermato-oncology at the Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne.
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