Data processing of urine chromatograms for the clinical management of melanoma

A data processing system for the analysis of melanoma urine chromatograms is described. The system operates on a MODCOMP IV computer and processes in three distinct stages the chromatographic data that has been logged and stored on nine-track magnetic tape. While the initial data reduction stage uses standard programming techniques for peak-area computations, the other stages involve novel graphical displays that provide an overview not only of the clinical data, but also of the operation of the chromatography system itself. Among other results, the data processing provides clear evidence that vanillactic acid is a urinary melanogen.