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Updated: Jun 24, 2025
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Comprehensive analysis of body composition features in melanoma patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Miriam Mengoni1, Andreas Dominik Braun1, Mattes Simon Hinnerichs2
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
Background:
The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has greatly improved the management of metastatic melanoma. Recent studies have uncovered a relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and outcome of patients with metastatic melanoma. However, conflicting results have challenged the relevance of this finding. In the current work, we aim to dissect body composition features of melanoma patients treated with TKI to evaluate their value as biomarkers.
Patients And Methods:
We analyze body composition features via CT scans in a retrospective cohort of 57 patients with non-resectable stage III/IV melanoma receiving first-line treatment with TKI in our department, focusing on the impact of body composition on treatment efficacy and occurrence of adverse events.
Results:
In uni- and multivariate analyses, we identify an association between the visceral adipose tissue gauge index (VATGI) and survival. We furthermore profile additional body composition features including sarcopenia, which was also associated with a shorter overall survival. Finally, we detected an enrichment of cases with fatigue in patients with low VATGI.
Conclusions:
Our study represents the first exploratory study evaluating the suitability of body composition measurements as biomarkers for melanoma patients treated with TKI. Our data suggest a putative use of VATGI as a biomarker predicting patient outcome.
Insights
Body composition, specifically visceral adipose tissue gauge index (VATGI), is a potential biomarker for metastatic melanoma patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Low VATGI and sarcopenia are linked to poorer survival and increased fatigue in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have advanced metastatic melanoma treatment.
- Previous studies on body mass index (BMI) and melanoma outcomes yielded conflicting results.
- This study investigates body composition as a potential biomarker in TKI-treated melanoma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of body composition features as biomarkers in metastatic melanoma patients receiving TKI therapy.
- To determine the impact of body composition on treatment efficacy and adverse events.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of CT scans from 57 patients with stage III/IV melanoma treated with first-line TKI.
- Assessment of various body composition features, including visceral adipose tissue gauge index (VATGI) and sarcopenia.
Main Results:
- Visceral adipose tissue gauge index (VATGI) was associated with patient survival in uni- and multivariate analyses.
- Sarcopenia was also identified as a predictor of shorter overall survival.
- Patients with low VATGI showed a higher incidence of fatigue.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to explore body composition measurements as biomarkers in TKI-treated melanoma patients.
- Visceral adipose tissue gauge index (VATGI) shows promise as a biomarker for predicting patient outcomes.
- Body composition analysis may aid in personalized treatment strategies for metastatic melanoma.
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