Stability of BRAF V600E mutation in metastatic melanoma: new insights for therapeutic success?
2011

Stability of BRAF V600E mutation in metastatic melanoma

Sample size: 34 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sigalotti L, Fratta E, Parisi G, Coral S, Maio M

Primary Institution: Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico

Hypothesis

Does the BRAF mutational status evolve with disease progression in metastatic melanoma?

Conclusion

The BRAF V600E mutational status remains largely unchanged in subsequent melanoma metastases once the disease has reached the metastatic stage.

Supporting Evidence

  • 10 out of 15 patients retained the original heterozygous BRAFV600E status.
  • 2 out of 15 patients acquired a homozygous mutated status.
  • No BRAFV600E mutation was acquired in three patients with an initial homozygous wild-type BRAF genotype.
  • Single-cell clones retained the genotypes of the parental metastatic cells.

Takeaway

When melanoma spreads, the BRAF mutation stays pretty much the same, which helps doctors know how to treat it better.

Methodology

Investigated the BRAFV600E mutation in primary cell cultures from metastatic lesions of melanoma patients.

Participant Demographics

15 cutaneous melanoma patients with metastatic lesions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/bjc.2011.239

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication