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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

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A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Evaluation of the clonal origin of multiple primary melanomas using molecular profiling
Irene Orlow1, Diana V Tommasi, Bradley Bloom
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|March 14, 2009
Summary
This study investigated if second melanomas arise from the same origin. Results suggest most second melanomas are independent primary tumors, validating current diagnostic criteria.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Molecular profiling is used to assess the clonal origin of secondary cancers.
- No prior studies have evaluated the clonality of multiple primary melanomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clonal origin of multiple primary melanomas.
- To assess the validity of clinicopathologic criteria for distinguishing independent primary melanomas from metastases.
Main Methods:
- Compared somatic mutational profiles of paired melanomas designated as independent.
- Utilized polymorphic genetic markers with known allelic loss frequencies.
Main Results:
- Found no significant evidence of clonal origin for paired melanomas in 17 out of 19 patients.
- The findings support the independence of most secondary melanomas.
Conclusions:
- Most second melanomas diagnosed as independent primary tumors are indeed distinct occurrences.
- Clinicopathologic assessment by experienced pathologists is reliable for differentiating new melanoma primaries from metastases.

