Protein expression of melanocyte growth factors (bFGF, SCF) and their receptors (FGFR‐1, c‐kit) in nevi and melanoma

Abstract

SCF and c-kit were frequently expressed by melanomas and dysplastic nevi suggesting an autocrine growth mechanism as described for bFGF. In both nevi and melanoma, c-kit was almost exclusively found in the epidermis while bFGF was more common in the dermis. Thus the growth factor/receptor expression seems to depend on the cutaneous localization of the melanocytic tumors.