Serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 as a prognostic marker in advanced cutaneous melanoma

The association was studied between serum concentration of matrix metallopr oteinase-2 (MMP-2) and metastatic site, survival and disease progression in patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma. The patient population consiste d of 50 patients who were treated with chemoimmunotherapy. The median basel ine serum concentration of MMP-2 was 724 ng/ml (range 500-2297 ng/ml). Ther e were no significant differences in MMP-2 levels according to metastatic s ite. Baseline MMP-2 concentration did not have a prognostic value. The pati ents with levels below 800 ng/ml survived for 8.8 months and those with hig her levels for 9.7 months. On serial measurements, median serum MMP-2 conce ntration at disease progression in 25 patients was significantly higher tha n before treatment. Only five samples at response were available, and the l evels were not significantly different from baseline levels. In conclusion, serum MMP-2 is not a prognostic marker in advanced melanoma. It also appea rs to be of limited clinical value in monitoring.