Frequent PD-L1 Expression in Malignant Melanomas of the Vulva. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saleh, Banafsheh; Kriegsmann, Jörg; Falk, Stephan; Aulmann, Sebastian
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynecological pathology. Volume 37:Number 5(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Malignant melanoma -- Vulva -- PD-L1 -- RAS -- KIT; Gynecologic pathology -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Generative organs, Female -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.10705
• DOI: 10.1097/PGP.0000000000000454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-1691

Abstract

Abstract : Blockade of immune checkpoint pathways such as the programmed cell death protein 1 pathway (PD-1/PD-L1) is an emerging approach in the treatment of solid tumors. In malignant melanoma, the efficiacy of antibodies against PD-L1 has been shown to be associated with PD-L1 protein expression. To evaluate whether this approach may be of use in the rare cases of primary melanoma of the vulva, we have evaluated a series of 13 cases for PD-L1 expression as well as additional molecular alterations of KIT, NRAS, KRAS, and BRAF . PD-L1 expression was detected in 69% of cases and was not associated with any other molecular alteration, tumor stage or morphology. In conclusion, targeting PD-L1 by selective antibodies may be of benefit in the treatment of these uncommon tumors.