cysteinyldopa and Brain-Neoplasms

A 36-year-old Japanese female, in whom malignant melanoma was detected from symptoms of brain metastasis, died 7 months later. The serum levels of 5-S-Cysteinyldopa (5-S-CD) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) correlated with the disease progression. These values may be useful markers of disease progression for malignant melanoma, because the material is easily, frequently, and non-invasively obtained at regular intervals.

Topics: Adult; Biomarkers, Tumor; Brain Neoplasms; Cysteinyldopa; Disease Progression; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Melanoma; Radionuclide Imaging; Skin Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Seventeen patients were given DTIC, 200 mg/m2/day in five-day courses every four to six weeks. In four patients (stage II) treated on an adjuvant basis, tumor recurrence has been verified in three. Four of the palliatively treated patients were also given DTIC by regional intra-arterial infusion with minimal positive tumor effect and minimal toxicity. 5-S-cysteinyldopa excretion in urine was checked continuously in all patients. Tumor recurrence was revealed in two patients given DTIC on an adjuvant basis three and four months before clinical signs of tumor. In the palliatively treated patients, 5-S-cysteinyldopa excretion increased in 5/6 patients judged to have stable disease, before tumor progression was clinically detectable. The use of 5-S-cysteinyldopa examination is a valuable adjunct to the follow-up of the effect of DTIC therapy in melanoma patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Brain Neoplasms; Cysteinyldopa; Dacarbazine; Digestive System; Dihydroxyphenylalanine; Female; Humans; Infusions, Intra-Arterial; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Palliative Care; Remission, Spontaneous