Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer due to the high possibility of metastasis, which is the spread of the disease to other organs.
UK researchers have developed a test that identifies the risk of disease progression and provides more accurate data on the risk of the disease spreading in people diagnosed at an early stage.
The methodology and test results were published in the scientific journal British Journal of Dermatology.
Created by scientists and physicians at the University of Newcastle, the test, when applied to the biopsy of primary melanoma, allows the identification of patients with a low risk of recurrence or spread of the disease.
The development of the tool was possible due to the scientific advance in the understanding of the skin cancer growth mechanism.
According to the study, early-stage melanomas that are at risk of spreading produce a protein called transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2) in the body.
This protein causes the reduction of other proteins, AMBRA1 and loricrin, which are found in the skin overlying the tumor. The TGFβ2 protein also causes the loss of the claudin-1 protein causing the loss of skin integrity and facilitating the formation of ulcers.
“Like the mortar and bricks that hold a wall together, AMBRA1, loricrin and claudin-1 are essential proteins for maintaining the integrity of the top layer of the skin. When these proteins are lost, gaps develop – like mortar crumbling into the wall. This allows the tumor to spread and ultimately ulcerate, which we know to be a process associated with higher-risk tumors.”
According to the researchers, the application of the test could bring benefits that include the definition of specific monitoring methods for each patient according to the risk of disease progression.
“Our test offers a personalized prognosis as it more accurately predicts whether your skin cancer is unlikely to spread. This test will help clinicians identify genuinely low-risk patients diagnosed with early-stage melanoma and reduce the number of follow-up visits for those identified as low-risk,” Penny said.
About skin cancer
Melanoma skin cancer originates in melanin-producing cells called melanocytes. The disease can appear anywhere on the body, on the skin or mucous membranes, in the form of spots, spots or signs.
According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), melanoma is the most frequent cancer in Brazil. Each year, about 8,000 new cases are recorded in the country. In 2019, 1,978 deaths from the disease were reported in the country.
The main risk factors are prolonged and repeated exposure to the sun, use of artificial tanning, having light skin and eyes, in addition to a family or personal history of skin cancer. Prevention includes the use of sunscreen and avoiding exposure to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, when the rays are most intense.
Early detection of cancer increases the chances of successful treatment, which may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer. When there is metastasis, there is the possibility of treatment with new drugs, which have high success rates.
Reference: CNN Brasil
