Evaluation of the relationship between c-Kit expression and mean platelet volume in classic Kaposi’s sarcoma

Background: c-kit is a proto-oncogene that encodes tyrosine kinase receptor (cd117). mean platelet volume (mpv) is a useful marker,providing information on platelet function and diameter. objective: to investigate c-kit expression and intensity in patients with kaposi’s sarcoma (ks) and to investigate the relation between ki-67 proliferation and mpv. methods: a total of 32 patients,diagnosed with classic cutaneous ks,were included in this study. we reevaluated the histopathological reports with the preparations,confirmed the diagnosis and then determined the patients’ histopathological stages. c-kit expression and ki-67 proliferation were investigated immunohistochemically in ks cases,while mpv in all cases was checked. results: although c-kit expression was detected in 22 cases (68.8%),it was not expressed in 10 cases (31.2%). we detected 8 cases with + (25%),6 with ++ (18.8%) and 8 with +++ (25%). ki-67 expression was 5.0% (min-max 1.0-20.0). relapse was observed in 5 cases (15.6%) out of 32. there was positive correlation between c-kit expression and mpv (rs=0.598,p<0.001),and between c-kit intensity and mpv (rs=0.588,p<0.001). conclusion: c-kit is highly positive in ks. c-kit positivity indicates a high risk of tumor growth,invasion and relapse. furthermore,c-kit expression stimulates megakaryocytes to release young and large thrombocytes into the periphery. thus,high mpv,c-kit expression and immunostaining intensity indicate high invasion and relapse in ks subjects. � 2016 by anais brasileiros de dermatologia.