Background
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is involved in the carcinogenesis of different tumours, especially neural crest‐derived tumours.
Objective
The aim of our study is to investigate the expression of NPY on melanoma and its relation with prognostic histological parameters and survival.
Methods
This is a retrospective observational study of two independent series, with a total of 79 primary melanomas, diagnosed in two independent University Hospitals in Spain, from January 2000 to December 2004.
Results
We found a significant higher expression of NPY on superficial spreading melanoma and lentigo maligna (40%) (P = 0.030). Thinner tumours were associated with higher NPY expression (Clark level, P = 0.003; Breslow level, P = 0.012). Melanomas with low NPY expression were associated with intense cell proliferation (Ki‐67, P = 0.034), high density of peritumoral mast cell infiltrates (P = 0.033) and low E‐cadherin expression (P = 0.031). Melanomas with high NPY expression exhibited significant differences in terms of relapse time (median: 114 vs. 68 months, P = 0.008) and overall survival (114 vs. 74 months, P = 0.004).
Conclusion
High expression of NPY was associated with better prognostic histological parameters, low peritumoral mast cells density, presence of adhesion proteins and better outcome.