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.