Prognostic value of tyrosinase reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in metastatic melanoma.
BACKGROUND
Circulating tumor cells can now be identified in subjects with metastatic melanoma by using the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the messenger RNA of tyrosinase, a key enzyme of melanogenesis.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether the detection of positive tyrosinase cells in patients at metastatic stage was associated with a worse evolution. 32 patients were included with metastatic melanoma (AJCC IV).


RESULTS
66% had a positive tyrosinase RT-PCR and a shorter survival compared with patients with a negative RT-PCR, but this difference is not statistically significant. However, a positive test could appear indicative of rapid progression and poor prognosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The prognostic value of this method could be improved by combining it with PCR of other melanoma markers (Melan A, Mage 3) or assays of serum markers (S 100 protein or lactate dehydrogenase).
Quereux
G
G
Department of Dermatology, CHU, Nantes, France.
Denis
M
M
Khammari
A
A
Lustenberger
P
P
Dreno
B
B
D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary*; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000235:genetics*; D009360:Neoplastic Cells, Circulating; D011379:Prognosis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D015996:Survival Rate
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase