Poor Diagnostic Performance of the Melanin-Binding Tracer [18 F]MEL050 in Human Melanoma Indicates Biological Heterogeneity.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Malignant melanoma is a highly lethal malignancy typically characterized by the expression of melanin, which is an attractive diagnostic and therapeutic target in these cancers because it is expressed in few other tissues. Following preclinical evaluation of the melanin-targeting PET tracer, [18F]-6-fluoro-N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl] pyridine-3-carboxamide ([18F]MEL050), we sought to evaluate this agent in patients with melanoma.

Method

A phase I clinical trial was performed in ten patients with metastatic melanoma. Safety, dosimetry and diagnostic performance of intravenously administered][18F]MEL050 were evaluated. Based on results from this trial, we further assessed the prevalence and prognostic significance of loss of melanin expression in two historical patient c

SUBMITTER: Ware RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12405299 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature