Investigative studies in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma

Patients with melanoma have prognostic indicators that can be accurately assessed using standard histopathologic techniques. First-order lymph node disease plays a significant role in determining both the prognosis of the patient and the therapeutic benefit in selected patients. The lymph nodes at risk can be determined by the technique of lymphoscintigraphy, and specificity might be possible using isotopically labeled monoclonal antibodies. Techniques utilizing immunohistology and immunocytology have been developed and applied to the clinical setting. Early diagnosis of recurrent disease is now possible using radioimmunoassays. Specific immunotherapy trials are underway and early results are encouraging.