DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Cutaneous Oncology and Melanoma

Research Abstract

Dr. Tahan's research interests are the identification of genes and their products important in the progression of melanocytic lesions, and the identification of biologic markers of aggressiveness/prognosis in melanoma and other human skin neoplasms. Recent work includes: 1. Discovery of autocrine regulatory function of CXCL10 and its receptor dependency on melanoma growth rate and invasiveness, and investigation of molecular mechanisms of this action. 2. Demonstration of stem cell marker expression among subpopulation of melanoma cells,
3. Studying molecular changes in human Kaposi's sarcoma associated with regression after treatment with Taxol derivatives and anti-angiogenetic agents.

Publications

• Pantanowitz L, Dezube BJ, Hernandez-Barrantes S, Tahan SR, Dabbous MK.Matrix metalloproteinases in the progression and regression of Kaposi's sarcoma.J Cutan Pathol 2006 Dec;33(12):793-8.
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• Klein WM, Wu BP, Zhao S, Wu H, Klein-Szanto AJ, Tahan SR.Increased expression of stem cell markers in malignant melanoma.Mod Pathol 2007 Jan;20(1):102-7.
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• Pantanowitz L, Schwartz EJ, Dezube BJ, Kohler S, Dorfman RF, Tahan SR.C-Kit (CD117) expression in AIDS-related, classic, and African endemic Kaposi sarcoma.Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2005 Jun;13(2):162-6.
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• Koon HB, Bubley GJ, Pantanowitz L, Masiello D, Smith B, Crosby K, Proper J, Weeden W, Miller TE, Chatis P, Egorin MJ, Tahan SR, Dezube BJ.Imatinib-induced regression of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.J Clin Oncol 2005 Feb 10;23(5):982-9.
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• Pantanowitz L, Dezube BJ, Pinkus GS, Tahan SR.Histological characterization of regression in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related Kaposi's sarcoma.J Cutan Pathol 2004 Jan;31(1):26-34.
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