THE EFFECT OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND CHEMOIMMUNOTHERAPY ON THE PRESENCE OF CIRCULATING MELANOMA-CELLS IN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS

Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) with prim ers specific for tyrosinase allow for a new method of early detection of individual melanoma cells in peripheral blood. Using this test the effect of chemo-and chemoimmunotherapy on the spread of early micromet astatic cancer cells has been evaluated. No significant correlations h ave been found between RT/PCR results on the one hand and stage of dis ease, a kind of the therapy protocol used and usage of the therapy as an adjuvant or palliative on the other hand. Thus, although the RT/PCR test for detection of circulating individual melanoma cells might hel p in identification of minimal residual disease in some patients, it h as no application for routine staging of more advanced disease and in monitoring the response to therapy.