STAT3: How IFN-α Therapy Affects This Biomarker

Interferon alfa (IFN-α) is the only FDA-approved adjuvant therapy for malignant melanoma. Trials of high-dose IFN-α have demonstrated significant, sustained improvements in recurrence-free survival with its use. IFN acts on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway associated with cell growth, differentiation, and immunoregulation. Dysplastic nevi are nonobligate precursors and biomarkers of melanoma risk. These investigators studied the effect on STAT signaling in 42 patients with multiple nevi and stage IIB or III malignant melanoma who received high-dose (10 patients) or low-dose (32 patients) IFN-α therapy.

The investigators studied four atypical nevi larger than 4 mm from each patient. Two atypical nevi were excised before IFN-α treatment, and two…