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Updated: May 31, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Molecular diagnostics in melanoma: current status and perspectives.
1Department of Dermatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06302, USA. dadras@uchc.edu
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|July 8, 2011
Summary
New molecular technologies can now analyze formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) melanoma samples, advancing melanoma diagnostics and classification of melanocytic neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The molecular era enables comprehensive analysis of melanoma for genetic and epigenetic alterations using patient tumor samples.
- Technological advancements allow direct examination of RNA, DNA, and proteins from tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advanced molecular technologies applicable to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) melanoma specimens.
- To address the historical challenge of limited fresh frozen melanoma tissue banks for molecular diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Review of transcriptional profiling (melastatin), comparative genomic hybridization, BRAF/NRAS mutational analysis, and microRNA profiling.
- Focus on the application of these techniques to FFPE melanoma sections.
Main Results:
- Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens are viable starting material for advanced molecular analyses in melanoma.
- Emerging molecular approaches offer new possibilities for melanoma research.
Conclusions:
- New molecular techniques are poised to enhance the classification of melanocytic neoplasms.
- FFPE-based molecular profiling represents a significant step forward in melanoma diagnostics.
