Clinical evaluation of 5-S-cysteinyldopa testing using a new and optimized detection system as a tumour marker for malignant melanoma.
5-S-cysteinyldopa (5-S-CD) has been described as a tumour marker for the detection of human metastatic melanoma. We investigated the clinical utility of a new and optimized method to detect 5-S-CD by analysing 207 plasma samples derived from 138 patients with clinical stage I/II ( = 60), III ( = 32) or IV ( = 46) melanoma. Control groups consisted of 27 patients with non-melanoma skin diseases and 30 healthy volunteers. 5-S-CD plasma levels were determined using a new analytical technique based on a fully automated solid phase extraction coupled online to a novel high performance liquid chromatography method. In all the samples from the healthy control subjects 5-S-CD plasma concentrations were below 2.0 microg/l. Increased 5-S-CD-levels (>/=2.0 microg/l) were found in 52%, 67% and 81% of the plasma samples from patients with stages I/II, III and IV malignant melanoma, respectively. The mean values of 5-S-CD were found to rise with increasing tumour stage. Among 27 samples from patients with non-melanoma skin disease, slightly elevated 5-S-CD levels between 2.3 and 2.6 microg/l were found in only four samples from patients with multiple dysplastic naevi. In conclusion, our improved analytical technique provides a high sensitivity in all stages of the disease and represents a useful technique for monitoring melanoma patients.
Meyer
T
T
IPM-Hamburg, Germany. meyer@labor-arndt-partner.de
Hauschild
A
A
Kromminga
A
A
Hartleb
J
J
Arndt
R
R
Christophers
E
E
Stockfleth
E
E
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003548:Cysteinyldopa / Q000097:blood*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D003548:Cysteinyldopa