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Updated: May 4, 2026

Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma
Published on: September 8, 2021
Prognostic value of BRAF mutations in localized cutaneous melanoma
Eduardo Nagore1, Celia Requena2, Víctor Traves3
1Department of Dermatology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain; Universidad Católica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
Background:
BRAF mutations are frequent in melanoma but their prognostic significance remains unclear.
Objective:
We sought to further evaluate the prognostic value of BRAF mutations in localized cutaneous melanoma.
Methods:
We undertook an observational retrospective study of 147 patients with localized invasive (stages I and II) cutaneous melanomas to determine the prognostic value of BRAF mutation status.
Results:
After a median follow-up of 48 months, patients with localized melanomas with BRAF-mutant melanomas exhibited poorer disease-free survival than those with BRAF-wt genotype (hazard ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-4.3) even after adjustment for Breslow thickness, tumor ulceration, location, age, sex, and tumor mitotic rate.
Limitations:
The retrospective design and the small number of events are limitations.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that reappraisal of clinical treatment approaches for patients with localized melanoma harboring tumors with BRAF mutation might be warranted.
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