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Circulating melanoma cells predict relapse in stage III disease
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Circulating melanoma cells at baseline or at 6-month follow-up served as an indicator for relapse among patients with stage III melanoma, according to results of a prospective study.
“There is a need for more sensitive and specific prognostic markers for advanced-stage melanoma patients to help improve the risk–benefit ratio of systemic adjuvant therapies,” Anthony Lucci, MD, professor in the department of surgical oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and colleagues wrote. “While it has been demonstrated that circulating melanoma cells can be detected in melanoma patients, there is limited data regarding the prognostic significance.”
Lucci and colleagues conducted serial circulating melanoma cells assessments (7.5 mL/blood) in 101 patients with stage III disease. CD146+ cells were immuno-magnetically enriched; CD146+, HMW-MAA+/, CD45-/ and CD34- nucleated cells were considered circulating melanoma cells.
The researchers assessed RFS between patients who had one or more circulating melanoma cells at baseline, during their first presentation to the investigators’ clinic or at the second blood draw 6 months from baseline. The investigators compared RFS in that group with outcomes among patients who had no circulating melanoma cells at baseline or at the second blood draw.
The median follow-up period was 10 months.
Lucci and colleagues observed no association between the presence of circulating melanoma cells and primary tumor factors such as Breslow thickness, number of mitotic figures or ulceration.
Ten (23%) of 44 patients with one or more circulating melanoma cells relapsed, compared with four (7%) of 57 patients with no circulating melanoma cells (HR = 3.25; 95% CI, 1.01-10.37).
“Circulating melanoma cells at baseline or at a 6-month follow-up blood draw predicted relapse in stage III melanoma patients,” Lucci and colleagues wrote. “This data supports larger studies to confirm that presence of circulating melanoma cells could be used to identify patients at risk for relapse, with an ultimate goal of early systemic intervention.” – by Julia Ernst
Reference:
Lucci A, et al. Abstract 9016.
Disclosure: Lucci reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the abstract for a list of all other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.