Assessing Genetic Expression Profiles in Melanoma Prognosis

Dermatol Clin. 2017 Oct;35(4):545-550. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2017.06.017. Epub 2017 Aug 7.

Abstract

A 31-genetic expression profile (31-GEP) test (DecisionDx-Melanoma, Castle Biosciences Inc, Friendswood, TX, USA) was developed as a diagnostic test to assist physicians in the management of cutaneous malignant melanoma. Based on a patient's primary tumor expression levels of a panel of genes (28 discriminating genes and 3 control genes), a lesion is classified as "low risk" (class 1) or "high risk" (class 2) for metastasis. Studies evaluating the clinical utility and impact of the 31-GEP test showed it positively influenced clinical management and patient care, as clinicians incorporated the additional data to modify their clinical recommendations in a risk-appropriate manner.

Keywords: DecisionDx-melanoma; Genetic expression profile; Melanoma; Prognosis; Skin cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Transcriptome*