Abstract We analyzed 53 specimens from primary squamous cell carcinomas of the skin for the expression of collagenase IV, cathepsin D and metallothionein by means of immunohistochemistry along with histological data. We compared tumors that metastasized (30) with tumors that did not (23) during a follow-up period of at least 5 years. The expression of the two proteolytic enzymes cathepsin D and collagenase IV was also assessed at the invading front of the tumors. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences for the overall expression of cathepsin D (P < 0.05), expression of cathepsin at the invading front (P < 0.05) and the tumor thickness (P < 0.01). The results showed that cathepsin D may be a prognostic factor for squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. We then combined the results of parameters with statistically significant differences by multiplication. The prognostic value of such a combined risk-factor score showed higher confidence than any of the single parameters alone: a sensitivity of 63.3%, a specificity of 87.0% and an efficiency of 73.6%. This kind of combined risk-factor score might be used to more accurately detect patients at high risk of metastasis.
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Received: 16 June 2000 / Revised: 1 September 2000 / Accepted: 10 December 2000
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Goldmann, T., Moorkamp, A., Wiedorn, K. et al. The prognostic value of the expression of collagenase IV, cathepsin D and metallothionein in squamous cell carcinomas of the skin determined by immunohistochemistry. Arch Dermatol Res 293, 115–120 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004030000202
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004030000202