Prognostic significance of in situ and plasma levels of transforming growth factor β1, -2 and -3 in cutaneous melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma is an aggressive type of cutaneous malignancy. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β has been demonstrated to be an important mediator of tumor progression. However, to the best of our knowledge, the systemic roles of plasma TGF‑β and TGF‑β in situ have not been investigated in Han Chinese melanoma patients. The results of the present study demonstrated that the in situ and plasma levels of TGF‑β1, TGF‑β2 and TGF‑β3 protein and messenger RNA were significantly elevated in tumor tissues compared with those of normal tissues. The survival rates of the patients which were triple‑positive (TGF‑β1+, TGF‑β2+ and TGF‑β3+) were found to be markedly decreased compared to those which were single‑ (TGF‑β1+, TGF‑β2+ or TGF‑β3+) or double‑positive (TGF‑β1+, TGF‑β2+; TGF‑β2+, TGF‑β3+; or TGF‑β1+, TGF‑β3+). These results may therefore contribute to the use of TGF‑β as a prognostic biomarker, and to the development of novel therapies for melanoma treatment.