Expression of Melan-A/MART-1 antigen as a prognostic reactor in primary cutaneous melanoma

In this study we assessed the expression of the Melan-A/MART-1 antigen by i mmunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody A103 in 73 primary cutaneous melanomas and its correlation with tumor staging and patient survival. Mela n-A/MART-1 was expressed in 90% of primary tumors, with loss of expression increasing with Breslow thickness. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a sig nificantly reduced disease-free interval and overall survival rate for pati ents not expressing this antigen. The poor prognosis of such patients was e ven worse for those presenting with a primary melanoma and a Breslow thickn ess of greater than or equal to 1 mm, Thus, Melan-A/MART-1 is not only a us eful and specific additional marker for the diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanoma, but it may also help refine the prognosis of patients with malign ant melanoma. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.