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Updated: May 11, 2026

Patient Derived Cell Culture and Isolation of CD133+ Putative Cancer Stem Cells from Melanoma

Patient Derived Cell Culture and Isolation of CD133⁺ Putative Cancer Stem Cells from Melanoma

Published on: March 13, 2013

Circulating melanoma cells as a predictive biomarker.

Giorgos Karakousis¹, Ruifeng Yang, Xiaowei Xu

¹Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology

|May 16, 2013

Summary

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Detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic melanoma patients can predict prognosis. Higher baseline CTC counts and sustained elevated levels during treatment correlate with shorter overall survival, aiding treatment decisions.

Area of Science:

Oncology
Biomarkers
Melanoma Research

Background:

Metastatic melanoma prognosis has improved with targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
Early detection of melanoma recurrence is crucial for timely treatment adjustments.
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are promising biomarkers for cancer prognosis and treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the utility of melanoma circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as prognostic biomarkers.
To assess the correlation between CTC numbers and overall survival in stage IV melanoma patients.
To evaluate the predictive value of CTCs for treatment response and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

Detection of melanoma CTCs using Melcam and high molecular weight melanoma-associated antibody.

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Ex Vivo Culture of Circulating Tumor Cells in the Cerebral Spinal Fluid from Melanoma Patients to Study Melanoma-Associated Leptomeningeal Disease

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Quantification of CTCs in 101 stage IV melanoma patients at baseline and during treatment.

Univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the prognostic significance of CTC numbers for overall survival (OS).

Main Results:

CTC numbers in stage IV melanoma patients ranged from 0 to 36 per 7.5 ml of blood.
26% of patients had ≥ 2 CTCs at baseline, which was significantly prognostic for median OS.
Patients with sustained CTC counts ≥ 2 during treatment had shorter median OS (7 months) compared to those with <2 CTCs (10 months).

Conclusions:

Melanoma CTC detection using Melcam is feasible and prognostic.
Baseline CTC count (≥ 2 CTCs) is a significant predictor of overall survival in metastatic melanoma.
Monitoring CTC levels during treatment can help assess response and guide therapeutic strategies.