The Role of Melanocyte in Basal Cell Carcinoma

October 13, 2015 updated by: Juan Pablo Castanedo-Cazares, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosí

Melanocyte Features and Its Influence in Pigmentation in Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Mexican Population

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent neoplasia worldwide. There are more than 30 histopathologic subtypes, however the nodular subtype is the most common. Pigmented varieties are common in darker skin types, therefore in our country. Previous studies have shown an increase number and size of melanocytes. Melanogenesis were increased at the expense of hyperfunctioning melanocytes as well. The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of melanocytes in pigmented and non-pigmented variants of basal cell carcinoma.

Study Overview

Status

Unknown

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Melanocytes are highly specialized dendritic cells that performs multiple functions through autocrine, paracrine and endocrine mechanisms. These cells are part of a complex system of intercellular communication along with keratinocytes, Langerhans cells and fibroblasts. This intricate network of cellular communication is possible thanks to interaction with cytokines, growth factors and neurotransmitters. Although melanocytes perform brilliantly immunoregulatory and neuroendocrine functions, their fundamental role is to offer protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation through production and transference of melanin to keratinocytes, a process better known as melanogenesis. The latter requires 3 basic proteins to ensure photoprotection: MC1R (activation), MITF (traduction) and TYR (melanin synthesis).

If one of the main features of melanocytes is to avoid UV radiation injurious effect, thus it raises many questions regarding the possible relation between these cells and skin cancer. Currently a great number of melanocytic alterations have been described in melanoma; however in non-melanoma skin cancer the role of melanocytes is less clear. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent neoplasia worldwide. There are more than 30 histopathologic subtypes, however the nodular subtype is the most common. Pigmented varieties are common in darker skin types, therefore in our country. Previous studies have shown an increase number and size of melanocytes. Melanogenesis were increased at the expense of hyperfunctioning melanocytes as well. In our experience we have noticed the clinical course regarding pigmented nodular basal cell carcinoma is more benign when compared to those without pigment. Most studies regarding the role of melanocytes and pigmentation in basal cell carcinoma have been conducted in caucasian populations, and therefore not representative of what may occur in mestizo population. The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of melanocytes in pigmented and non-pigmented variants of basal cell carcinoma. Quantify the expression of melanocytic maturation: transcription factors (SOX9 and SOX10), focal adhesion kinase (FAK125) and receptor tyrosine kinase (c-KIT) and melanogenesis such as melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase (TYR) markers. Investigate the tumoral microenvironment through the quantification of melanin, mast cells, angiogenesis and solar elastosis.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Anticipated)

30

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

  • Mexico
      • San Luis Potosi, Mexico, 78210
        • Hospital Central Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Juan P Castanedo-Cazares, MD, MSc
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Karla Martinez-Rosales, MD

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

40 years to 90 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients with histologic diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Mexican subjects
  • Age between 40 and 90 years
  • Both genders
  • Sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Sign informed consent withdrawal

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Basal cell carcinoma
Other: No intervention

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Melanocyte number
Time Frame: Up to 1 year
To quantify the number of melanocytes in basal cell carcinoma
Up to 1 year
Melanocyte phenotype
Time Frame: Up to 1 year
To quantify melanocyte maturation stages in basal cell carcinoma through markers
Up to 1 year
Melanogenesis characteristics
Time Frame: Up to 1 year
To quantify the expression of melanogenic markers in basal cell carcinoma
Up to 1 year

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Melanin presence
Time Frame: Up to 1 year
To quantify melanin deposition in basal cell carcinoma using special histologic stains (Fontana-Masson)
Up to 1 year
Vessels number (angiogenesis)
Time Frame: Up to 1 year
To quantify number of vessels in basal cell carcinoma using special histologic stains (Elastic fibers)
Up to 1 year
Mast cells number
Time Frame: Up to 1 year
To quantify melanocytes in basal cell carcinoma using special histologic stains (Giemsa)
Up to 1 year
Solar elastosis quantity
Time Frame: Up to 1 year
To quantify solar elastosis in basal cell carcinoma using special histologic stains (Elastic fibers)
Up to 1 year

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosí

Collaborators

Hospital Central "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto"

Investigators

  • Study Chair: Bertha Torres-Alvarez, MD, Hospital Central "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto"
  • Study Director: Juan P Castanedo-Cazares, MD, MSc, Hospital Central "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto"

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

November 1, 2015

Primary Completion (Anticipated)

November 1, 2016

Study Completion (Anticipated)

December 1, 2016

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

October 13, 2015

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

October 13, 2015

First Posted (Estimate)

October 15, 2015

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

October 15, 2015

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

October 13, 2015

Last Verified

October 1, 2015

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • BCC1

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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