Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) and malignant melanoma.

A soluble form of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) has been reported to be elevated in malignant melanoma. We have studied the expression of sICAM-1 by ELISAs in a series of 85 consecutive sera derived from patients with primary or metastatic melanomas in comparison with control patients and patients with diffuse acute eczema and psoriasis. Our results showed elevated sICAM-1 concentrations in patients with malignant melanoma but also in patients with extensive inflammatory dermatoses. The diagnostic potential of sICAM-1 in malignant melanoma appears to be limited. Further studies are needed to determine whether increased values of sICAM-1 in primary melanomas may predict a progression of the disease.