Abstract
Purpose::
Aim of this pilot study was to evaluate Osteopontin (OPN) as a potential new marker in comparison to the protein ,,Melanoma Inhibitory Activity" (MIA), a previously described sensitive and specific serological tumor marker for screening and detection of metastatic uveal melanoma.
Methods::
28 plasma samples of 27 patients with uveal melanoma were analysed and the OPN levels quantified (ELISA). Eight of these patients showed liver metastasis. The OPN levels were compared to the MIA levels from our Database, which had been obtained from the same patients previously.
Results::
The median plasma concentration of OPN in melanoma patients without metastasis was 46.78 ng/ml. The eight patients with proven metastatic disease showed OPN levels of 170.72 ng/ml (p < 0,001). As for OPN, the difference in MIA serum levels between patients without (5.64 ng/ml) and patients with (14.62 ng/ml; p < 0,001) metastatic disease was statistically significant.
Conclusions::
After developing metastatic disease statistically significant elevation of MIA and OPN serological levels could be demonstrated. Both the protein MIA and the OPN seem to be promising tumor markers for monitoring patients with uveal melanoma.
Keywords: uvea • melanoma • tumors