Immunohistochemical Expression Of Platelet Growth Factor And Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor In Patients With Melanoma With And Without Redness (Brenner Sign)

Objective: To assess whether an erythematous eruption in the vicinity of or distant from a melanoma lesion might be related to the vascular endothelial growth factor, the platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, or both.Methods: Biopsy specimens from 13 patients with primary melanoma, 6 of whom had erythematous eruptions and 7 who did not, were studied by immunohistochemistry for the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor.Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor was positive in 3 of 6 patients (50%) with melanoma and redness (Brenner sign) and in 4 of 7 patients (57%) with melanoma without redness. Platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor was positive in all 6 patients (100%) with melanoma and redness and in 4 of 7 patients (57%) with melanoma without redness.Conclusion: Platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor may have a part in the pathogenesis of the redness observed in patients with melanoma, called Brenner sign, by affecting vasculature function.