The role of nm23 in melanoma progression and its prognostic significance.

The nm23 monoclonal antibody directed to specific antigen was applied for investigation of 29 benign naevi, 59 melanomas of different Clark level and locations, 4 lymph node and 28 organ metastases, using quantitative immunohistochemistry. The reduced expression of nm23 protein was associated with the tumor progression. A statistically significant difference (p = 0.0014) was found in nm23 protein expression between naevi and malignant melanomas. Additionally, a reduced protein level in metastases was found. A strong correlation was found between nm23 expression and survival of patients as well as the presence of metastasis (p = 0.0003).