SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND

AKT1, ALK, BRAF, CTNNB1, ERBB2, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, GNA11, GNAQ, KIT, KRAS, MAP2K1, MET, MYC, NF1, NRAS, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, PDGFRA, PIK3CA, POLE, PTEN, RET, ROS1, STK11, TP53

Category:

Scientific Background

Melanoma is a malignant type of skin cancer that arises from cells in the skin, the melanocytes. It is the 17th most common type of cancer worldwide. In 2020, there were more than 300,000 new cases diagnosed with melanoma. Factors such as environmental and inheritance can increase the risk of developing melanoma. Accumulation of genetic alterations (mutations) in the DNA can result in melanoma initiation and development. Mutations in genes including BRAF, NRAS and others are frequently found in patients with melanoma. Identification of mutations found in circulating tumor DNA, which is released from these tumors, can have huge potential and can provide the necessary information about the genetic characteristics of the tumor, therefore having a prognostic and therapeutic value. Personalized medicine tailored to each patient can be beneficial for increasing the chances of melanoma treatment depending on the unique mutations in each cancer patient. Indeed, over the last decade novel personalized therapeutic opportunities have been developed and currently, there are different FDA/EMA approved drugs for melanoma including vemurafenib.

 

This panel also test for Microsatellite instability (MSI) immunotherapy biomarker. Studies show that MSI is frequently found in melanoma patients and can be a predictive factor for identifying patients who might respond to immunotherapy. The FDA approved drug pembrolizumab can be used as an immunotherapy option for melanoma patients with MSI-high status.

 

How many genes are tested in this panel?

28 genes

 

References and more information: 

 

Information obtained from professional bodies including National Cancer Institute, and World Cancer Research Fund International

Kubeček O, Kopecký J. Microsatellite instability in melanoma: a comprehensive review. Melanoma Res. 2016 Dec;26(6):545-550. doi: 10.1097/CMR.0000000000000298. PMID: 27623135.

Alvino E, Passarelli F, Cannavò E, Fortes C, Mastroeni S, Caporali S, Jiricny J, Cappellini GC, Scoppola A, Marchetti P, Modesti A, D'Atri S. High expression of the mismatch repair protein MSH6 is associated with poor patient survival in melanoma. Am J Clin Pathol. 2014 Jul;142(1):121-32. doi: 10.1309/AJCPCX2D9YULBBLG. PMID: 24926095.

GENES

AKT1, ALK, BRAF, CTNNB1, ERBB2, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, GNA11, GNAQ, KIT, KRAS, MAP2K1, MET, MYC, NF1, NRAS, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, PDGFRA, PIK3CA, POLE, PTEN, RET, ROS1, STK11, TP53
How to order

LATEST ARTICLES

February, designated as Cancer Awareness Month, marks a time to reflect on the remarkable progress made in cancer research and to inspire hope for th...

Read more

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health issue as it remains a leading cause of death worldwide [1]. CVD is responsible for mor...

Read more

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health threats, and accurate identification and surveillance of multidrug-resistant...

Read more

Colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern globally. While genetic factors play a crucial role in its development, identifying the exact ...

Read more

A new meta-analysis links trans-kingdom gut microbiota (bacteria, eukaryotes, viruses, archaea) to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response in canc...

Read more

Reproductive health is a fundamental aspect of human well-being, affecting individuals and communities worldwide [1]. It encompasses a wide range of ...

Read more

It seems as though everyone is talking about artificial intelligence, usually referred to as AI, these days! Indeed, not only are AI tools now access...

Read more

Orphan drugs are those developed specifically for the treatment of rare diseases. Within the pharmaceutical industry, the drug development process is...

Read more

A study of 629 pregnancies with ultrasound-detected anomalies found that exome sequencing identified pathogenic variants in 14% of cases. The detecti...

Read more

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the breast cells. Genetic changes in the DNA of the healthy breast cells can lead to the formati...

Read more