J. Szenajch et al., THE EFFECT OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND CHEMOIMMUNOTHERAPY ON THE PRESENCE OF CIRCULATING MELANOMA-CELLS IN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS, Acta Biochimica Polonica, 45(1), 1998, pp. 95-102
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.