Autophagy inhibition seems to be associated to, as indicated by Beclin 1 down-regulation and high p62 levels, while high number of autophagosomes, high levels of LC3-II and low levels of p62, indicating an increased level of autophagic activity, have been reported in patients in which cutaneous metastatic melanoma has become established. The gene discussed is BECN1; the disease is metastatic melanoma.