Immune Markers and Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Ronald Glaser, Rebecca Andridge, Eric V. Yang, Arwa Y. Shana'ah, Michael Di Gregorio, Min Chen, Sheri L. Johnson, Lawrence A. De Renne, David R. Lambert, Scott D. Jewell, Mark A. Bechtel, Dean W. Hearne, Joel Bain Herron, Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser
Primary Institution: The Ohio State University Medical Center
Hypothesis
How does immune-cell related gene expression in an initial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tumor biopsy relate to the appearance of subsequent BCC tumors?
Conclusion
Levels of certain immune markers in BCC biopsies may predict the risk for new BCC tumors.
Supporting Evidence
- 61% of subjects were free of new BCCs two years post-initial biopsy.
- Patients with low CD3ε, CD25, CD68, and ICAM-1 mRNA levels had significantly shorter times before new tumors were detected.
- Older age diminished the association of mRNA levels with the appearance of subsequent tumors.
Takeaway
This study found that low levels of specific immune markers in skin cancer biopsies can mean a higher chance of getting more skin cancers later.
Methodology
Real-time PCR was used to measure mRNA levels of immune markers in BCC tumor biopsies from 138 patients.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported follow-up data from patients.
Limitations
The study did not differentiate between mRNA from immune cells and that from tumor cells, which may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
{"average_age":57.9,"gender_distribution":{"female":71,"male":67},"race":"99% White"}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.03 for CD3ε, p=0.02 for CD25, p=0.003 for CD68
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 53%-70%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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