Topoisomerase I Amplification in Melanoma is Associated with More Advanced Tumours and Poor Prognosis

• Summary In this study, we used array-comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) and fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) to examine genetic aberrations in melanoma cell lines and tissues. aCGH revealed that the most frequent genetic changes found in melanoma cell lines were amplifications on chromosomes 7p and 20q, along with disruptions on Chr 9, 10, 11, 12, 22 and Y. Validation of the results using FISH on tissue microarrays (TMAs) identified TOP1 as being amplified in melanoma tissues. TOP1 amplification was detected in a high percentage (33%) of tumours and was associated with thicker, aggressive tumours. These results show that TOP1 amplification is associated with advanced tumours and poor prognosis in melanoma. These observations open the possibility that TOP1-targeted therapeutics may be of benefit in a particular subgroup of advanced stage melanoma patients.

Keyword

melanoma

array-comparative genomic hybridization

fluorescence in situ hybridization

tissue microarrays

amplification

Topoisomerase I

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Pathology

Patologi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)