Comparison of two prognostic markers for malignant melanoma: MIA and S100 beta

It has recently been shown that the serum level of melanoma-inhibitory prot ein (MIA) provides useful information for the thera py and follow-up of pat ients with malignant melanoma, Previously, S100 beta has been described as a useful tumor marker for malignant melanoma. In this study, we compare the significance of the two markers in follow-up, therapy outcome and prognosi s by measuring MIA and S100 beta serum levels in 50 melanoma patients, Seru m levels were measured in patients with malignant melanomas of stages I-IV with at least 3 time points of measurement. Serial MIA and S100 beta measur ements were obtained from 32 patients with stage IV disease in parallel to chemotherapy and from 18 patients with a history of stage I and stage II di sease during follow-up. The response to chemotherapy in stage IV disease an d relapse of melanoma during follow-up correlated with changes in MIA and S 100 beta serum levels. In comparison, MIA revealed slightly higher specific ity and sensitivity, In conclusion, both markers are useful for detection o f progression from localized to metastatic disease during follow-up and for monitoring therapy of advanced melanomas. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.