Serum folate and vitamin B12 levels in cutaneous melanoma

Vitamin B12 and folate are the major micronutrients that play significant roles in DNA synthesis. Epidemiological studies and clinical evidences displayed alterations in serum concentrations folate and of vitamin B12 in various human malignancies, yet their roles in patients with melanoma have yet to be understood.

To assess circulating vitamin B12 and folate concentrations of patients with melanoma and compare them with other malignant tumors and healthy subjects.

A total of 98 skin melanoma cases from university clinic were enrolled into the study. Serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence binding assay.

Circulating levels of vitamin B12 in patients with melanoma were similar compared with other malignancies and healthy controls (P > .05). However, melanoma cases had significantly lower serum folate concentrations than healthy control group (P = .04). Melanoma patients with metastatic disease (P = .001) and with short history of disease (P = .05), and those who had active diseases in course of the study (P = .04) had low serum folate concentrations.

Serum levels of folate were found significantly lower in melanoma cases, and this association was stronger for patients with metastatic melanoma; however, no such association was found between melanoma and serum vitamin B12 levels.