The prognostic impact of five melanoma markers (Melan-A, gp100, MAGE-3, MIA and tyrosinase) was evaluated by multimarker real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for disease-specific survival time. Data from 65 patients with resected melanoma (stage II-III) were assessed. Blood samples were examined every 3 months for 2 years. Expression of melanoma markers was correlated with clinical staging results for 5 years. MAGE-3 was the most sensitive marker in single occurrence or combined with MIA and gp100. Progression in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years was seen in 40.7, 25.9, 18.6, 7.4 and 7.4%, respectively. Statistically significant marker elevation during the first 2 years after surgery correlated with a worse prognosis. Thus ...