Melanoma subtypes: genomic profiles, prognostic molecular markers and therapeutic possibilities

J Pathol. 2019 Apr;247(5):539-551. doi: 10.1002/path.5213. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Abstract

Melanoma is characterised by its ability to metastasise at early stages of tumour development. Current clinico-pathologic staging based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria is used to guide surveillance and management in early-stage disease, but its ability to predict clinical outcome has limitations. Herein we review the genomics of melanoma subtypes including cutaneous, acral, uveal and mucosal, with a focus on the prognostic and predictive significance of key molecular aberrations. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Keywords: 31-gene expression profile; acral; biomarkers; cutaneous; desmoplastic; driver genes; melanoma; mucosal; mutations; predictive; prognostic; uveal.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Genes, cdc / genetics
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf