Objectives: We aimed the relationship between with selected prognostic factors of MM, 1) C-KIT (CD117), which related to MM pathogenesis, 2) Ki-67, which is the determinant of cell kinetics, 3) MMP-2, which degradation of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix required for cell migration, invasion and metastasis in melanogenesis, 4) bcl-2, which reduces the apoptotic response to cytotoxic chemotherapy and 5) MT's whose overexpression shows resistance to anticancer drugs and radiotherapy

more »

... and thus poor prognosis.Material and Methods: In this study, 30 skin and 15 non-skin MMM cases diagnosed between January 01, 2000 and June 01, 2011 in SCU-TF Medical Pathology Department were examined. C-Kit, MMP-2, Ki-67, bcl-2 and MT markers were applied to these cases.Results: When comparing the skin and non-skin groups, the difference between Ki-67 and MMP-2 expressions was found to be statistically significant, but no significant difference was found in staining with c-Kit, MT and bcl-2. It was thought that high MMP-2, C-KIT, bcl-2 expressions and high Ki-67 index as well as loss of MT expression might be associated with poor prognosis. Despite the high level of KIT immunostaining in melanomas, this parameter does not appear to be a good predictor of the presence of molecular mutations. Mutations that activate KIT should be considered a rare event in this tumor.