Serum Cytokine Profiles of Melanoma Patients and Their Association with Tumor Progression and Metastasis

Abstract

We found that the levels of VEGF-A and PDGF-BB in the serum of both primary and metastatic melanoma patients are elevated. TNF-<i>α</i>, IFN-<i>γ</i>, and VEGF-A presented a positive correlation with Breslow thickness, whereas BDNF showed a negative association. MIP-1<i>α</i> and MCP-1 correlated negatively with survival. In addition, lower levels of IL-7 were found in patients harboring BRAF mutants. These findings indicate that these cytokines may play critical roles in the progression of melanoma.