Genetic Testing in the Multidisciplinary Management of Melanoma

Omar M Rashid; Jonathan S Zager

doi:10.1016/j.soc.2015.06.003

Genetic Testing in the Multidisciplinary Management of Melanoma

Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2015 Oct;24(4):779-93. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2015.06.003. Epub 2015 Jul 26.

Authors

Omar M Rashid¹, Jonathan S Zager²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, SRB 4.24012, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center, Holy Cross Hospital, 4725 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, USA.
² Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, SRB 4.24012, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Electronic address: jonathan.zager@moffitt.org.

PMID: 26363541
DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2015.06.003

Abstract

Melanoma is increasing in incidence and represents an aggressive type of cancer. Efforts have focused on identifying genetic factors in melanoma carcinogenesis to guide prevention, screening, early detection, and targeted therapy. This article reviews the hereditary risk factors associated with melanoma and the known molecular pathways and genetic mutations associated with this disease. This article also explores the controversies associated with genetic testing and the latest advances in identifying genetic targets in melanoma, which offer promise for future application in the multidisciplinary management of melanoma.

Keywords: Genetic targets; Genetic testing; Melanoma; Mutations; Screening; Somatic mutations; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Disease Management
Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
Genetic Testing*
Humans
Melanoma / diagnosis*
Melanoma / genetics*
Risk Assessment