OBJECTIVES:
* Generate a comprehensive multiplexed array of melanoma-associated serological markers and validate it using serum samples from patients with melanoma and healthy control participants.
* Determine changes in the profile of serological markers induced by interferon-alfa 2b (IFN-α2b) therapy.
* Define panels of serological markers with prognostic and predictive power for IFN-α2b therapy responses in patients with melanoma.
OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study.
Serum samples are used for multiplex analyses. Biomarkers to be assessed include cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, angiogenic and antiangiogenic molecules, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), melanoma-associated antigens, basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor I and II, thrombospondin, endostatin, angiostatin, vasostatin, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor.
PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 1,716 samples will be accrued for this study.
