Identification and anatomical location of melanocytic stem cells and cancer stem cells in acral lentiginous melanoma

• Grant number: 16/06414-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2017
• End date: August 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Fabiana Henriques Machado de Melo
• Grantee: Ísis de Vito Izzo Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP). Fundação Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In Brazil, skin cancer currently accounts for 25% of cancer diagnoses, statistical one that is rising in recent years. Melanoma does not have great representation in all cases, but is responsible for 75% of deaths from skin cancer due to its aggressiveness and metastatic capacity, with a poor prognosis. It is believed that these malignant characteristics are caused by the possible presence of cancer stem cells. The most direct consequence of the presence of this cell type in melanoma is the fact that these cells are resistant to most treatments, making it difficult to eliminate and hence the improvement of the patients quality of life. Identify and locate these cells during the histopathological examination of biopsy could lead to more appropriate types of treatment and medical management may improve the prognosis of the disease, providing greater patient survival. (AU)