The impact of Ets-1 oncoprotein and human endoglin (CD105) on the recurrence of non-melanoma skin cancers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate if the expression of CD105 and Ets-1 was predictive of aggressive biologic behavior of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and to evaluate indicators of local recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 144 patients with NMSC were included in the current study. Surgical specimens were independently examined for diagnosis confirmation and immunohistochemical expression of Ets-1 and CD105 by two dermatopathologists.

RESULTS: The most common tumor type was basal cell carcinoma (n = 76), followed by squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) (n = 65). The most common anatomic location was the head and neck area (n = 115). The follow-up was ˃ 2 years in all examined cases. A statistically significant correlation was found between tumor local recurrence and age (P = 0.03), Ets-1 expression (P ˂ 0.0001) and CD105 expression (P ˂ 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that both Ets-1 and CD105 show promise as prognostic markers for local recurrence of NMSC. However, this statement is made with caution, and additional studies, with larger populations, are necessary to examine the correlation between these two markers and local recurrence. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of local recurrence in primary NMSC may result in potential therapeutic interventions.