Figure 1.

Experimental study design, collection and processing of clinical samples. Cohorts of 171 melanoma patients and 104 healthy volunteers were identified for evaluations of IgG4 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). IgG subclass levels were measured using a standardized Luminex bead array assay (n = 171) and in the same samples, LDH levels were analyzed through a diagnostic laboratory protocol (n = 158). *Researchers working on this study were blinded to prevent bias; **Two independent medical professionals, not involved in the quantification of IgG4 or LDH, evaluated patient information; ***Patients with co-morbidities that may influence IgG4 levels were excluded from the analysis.