Biochemical markers of malignant melanoma

The excretion of Thormählen positive melanogens (TPM), zincuria, serum dopaoxidase activity of tyrosinase and serum sialic acid were determined in 60 patients with primary and/or metastatic cutaneous melanoma and in 20 healthy persons. On the basis of our results we can recommend the following of TPM urinary excretion and serum dopaoxidase activity in the course of malignant melanoma as specific markers of the tumor growth. The following of serum sialic acid in the course of malignant melanoma is valuable from the standpoint of prognosis of the disease. The following of zincuria in the course of malignant melanoma is not recommended because of its low value for monitoring melanoma patients.