Making Sense of the Expanding Molecular Toolbox for Skin Cancer Diagnosis-Molecular Tests in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Melanoma

Molecular Tests in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Melanoma

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dermatologist Laura Farris discusses molecular tests for diagnosing and predicting prognosis of melanoma in her University of Pittsburgh lecture. She explains gene expression profiling (GEP) that assesses RNA expression in tumors to determine if lesions are benign or malignant. Farris contrasts GEP with genetic tests for heritable and acquired mutations. The pigmented lesion assay identifies lesions requiring biopsy using LINC00518, PRAME, and TERT promoter mutations. Results show accuracy in diagnosing melanomas. The MyPath and DiffDx tests assist in identifying equivocal lesions. For prognostic GEP, the Decision DX, 11 gene, and 8 gene tests predict outcomes, aiding in sentinel node biopsy decisions and reducing complications. Farris presents case studies showing the tests' impact on treatment decisions. Pros and cons, validation studies, and real-world applications are discussed. Farris emphasizes the need for further research to integrate GEP into melanoma care guidelines and FDA approval.

Asset Subtitle

Laura K. Ferris MD, PhD, FAAD

Keywords

Dermatologist

Laura Farris

molecular tests

melanoma

gene expression profiling

pigmented lesion assay

prognostic tests

sentinel node biopsy