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Clinical responses observed with imatinib or sorafenib in melanoma patients expressing mutations in KIT

D Handolias1, A L Hamilton, R Salemi

  • 1Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

British Journal of Cancer
|April 8, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

KIT mutations are common in mucosal melanoma. KIT inhibitors show promise for metastatic melanoma, but further research is needed for optimal patient selection.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • KIT mutations are implicated in specific melanoma subtypes.
  • The efficacy of KIT inhibition correlates with specific mutation profiles.

Observation:

  • 32 patients with metastatic acral or mucosal melanoma were analyzed for KIT mutations.
  • KIT mutations were identified in 38% of mucosal and 6% of acral melanomas.

Findings:

  • Four patients with KIT mutations received KIT inhibitors (imatinib or sorafenib).
  • All patients demonstrated initial treatment response, but three later experienced brain metastasis progression.

Implications:

  • Clinical responses suggest KIT inhibitors are a viable therapeutic option for select metastatic melanoma patients.
  • Further investigation is warranted to optimize patient selection based on KIT mutation status for KIT inhibitor therapy.

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