Article
Serum Survivin levels in patients with uveal melanoma – a promising biomarker?
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Authors
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Inna Georgieva
- Charité, University School of Medicine Berlin, University Eye Clinic, Campus Virchow Clinic and Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin
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G. Willerding
- Charité, University School of Medicine Berlin, University Eye Clinic, Campus Virchow Clinic and Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin
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M. H. Foerster
- DRK Hospitals Berlin Westend, Berlin
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A. M. Joussen
- Charité, University School of Medicine Berlin, University Eye Clinic, Campus Virchow Clinic and Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin
| Published: | September 21, 2010 |
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Outline
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Background: Survivin is a member of the “Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins” (IAP) family, with a bifunctional role in mitosis and apoptosis.The present study was focused on detection of survivin in the serum of patients with uveal melanoma and to evaluate its potential diagnostic role.The aim of the study was to establish a method by which the serum levels of survivin can be used as a predictive value in the treatment outcome of patient with uveal melanoma.
Methods: The serum samples were obtained from patients with uveal melanoma (n=24) and healthy volunteers (n=23) at the Eye Hospital of Campus Benjamin Franklin of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin after previously given informed consent to this pilot study. Most of the patients suffered from newly diagnosed uveal melanoma. The mean tumor prominence was 7,93mm (range 3.4–11.7mm). Five patients had Metastatic disease and received chemotherapy. The mean age of patients with uveal melanoma was 67.46 years (range 36–81). Survivin serum levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: There was an increase of the survivin protein serum levels in patients with uveal melanoma compared to the healthy controls, but it did not reach statistical significance (t-test p= 0.06). The serum levels tend to be high higher in patients with a greater tumor burden or metastasis.
Conclusion: This is the first study to quantify survivin protein levels in patients with uveal melanoma. The preliminary data from this small study should be evaluated in future clinical trials in order to define its potential diagnostic and prognostic use.
