Abstract
A variety of serological markers have been identified in malignant melanoma, most of them associated with disease progression. Nevertheless, none of them is currently recommended for routine diagnostic use by international guidelines. S100-β, originally described as an acidic, calcium-binding protein derived from a bovine brain extract, has been demonstrated as an appropriate serum marker in metastatic melanoma patients with high serum levels indicating disease progression or recurrence. Moreover, S100-β has been proved as a useful serum parameter in the monitoring of metastatic melanoma patients during ongoing chemotherapy. Other serological marker proteins like e.g. melanoma inhibiting activity (MIA) have been evaluated in several studies, but could not be approved to exceed the predictive value of S100-β. A major disadvantage of S100-β is the poor predictive value of this marker in early-stage non-metastasized melanoma patients. After surgical removal of their primary tumors, these patients are enrolled into elaborated follow-up examination programs aiming at a detection of recurrence of the disease as early as possible. To estimate their risk of recurrence, these patients currently have to undergo invasive and costly procedures like e.g. sentinel lymph node dissection. Therefore, the identification of sensitive and reliable serological markers with strong predictive impact for the patients' prognosis would be of high beneficial value for this group of patients.
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