Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Receptors 1 and 2 in Melanoma

Abstract

TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 expression is higher in malignant melanocytes than in their benign counterparts, suggesting that these receptors might be effective therapeutic targets in melanoma. Expression is higher in early-stage disease than in metastatic specimens, and expression exceeding that found in nevi is found in a substantially larger fraction of melanomas for TRAIL-R2 compared with TRAIL-R1. Assessment of baseline tumor TRAIL receptor expression may be important in analysis of clinical trials involving TRAIL receptor agonists.