Treatment of malignant melanoma with dacarbazin (DTIC-DOME) with special reference to urinary excretion of 5-S-cysteinyldopa.

Seventeen patients were given DTIC, 200 mg/m2/day in five-day courses every four to six weeks. In four patients (stage II) treated on an adjuvant basis, tumor recurrence has been verified in three. Four of the palliatively treated patients were also given DTIC by regional intra-arterial infusion with minimal positive tumor effect and minimal toxicity. 5-S-cysteinyldopa excretion in urine was checked continuously in all patients. Tumor recurrence was revealed in two patients given DTIC on an adjuvant basis three and four months before clinical signs of tumor. In the palliatively treated patients, 5-S-cysteinyldopa excretion increased in 5/6 patients judged to have stable disease, before tumor progression was clinically detectable. The use of 5-S-cysteinyldopa examination is a valuable adjunct to the follow-up of the effect of DTIC therapy in melanoma patients.