C-reactive protein is better than lactate dehydrogenase for diagnosing advanced melanoma
Author Information
Author(s): Deichmann M, Kahle B, Moser K, Wacker J, Wüst K
Primary Institution: Heidelberg University Clinics
Hypothesis
Is C-reactive protein (CRP) a better serum marker than lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for diagnosing melanoma patients entering AJCC stage IV?
Conclusion
C-reactive protein (CRP) is superior to lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in distinguishing melanoma patients entering AJCC stage IV from those in earlier stages.
Supporting Evidence
- CRP levels were significantly higher in patients entering AJCC stage IV compared to those in earlier stages.
- LDH did not show significant differences between the two groups.
- ROC analysis indicated that CRP had a higher AUC than LDH for discriminating between the two patient groups.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a simple blood test for C-reactive protein to better tell if melanoma has spread, which helps in treating patients sooner.
Methodology
The study measured LDH and CRP levels in 91 melanoma patients at stage IV and compared them to 125 patients at earlier stages using statistical tests and ROC analysis.
Limitations
The study only included patients with histologically confirmed melanoma and may not generalize to all melanoma patients.
Participant Demographics
91 patients with AJCC stage IV melanoma and 125 patients with AJCC stages I, II, or III, with a mix of melanoma types.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
(0.900, 0.966)
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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