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Updated: Oct 27, 2025
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Molecular characterization of fast-growing melanomas
Caroline Gaudy-Marqueste1, Nicolas Macagno2, Anderson Loundou3
1Aix Marseille University, Assistance Publique des Hopitaux de Marseille, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille Insitut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale U1068, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique U7258, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Timone, Dermatology and Skin Cancer Department, Marseille, France.
Fast-growing melanomas (FGMM) show lower relapse-free survival and harbor more mutations. Factors like ulceration, thickness, and FGFR2 mutations are linked to faster growth, aiding in identifying high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Primary melanoma growth rate is a key indicator of aggressiveness.
- The mutational profile of fast-growing melanomas (FGMM) and its association with patient prognosis remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiologic, clinical, and mutational characteristics of primary cutaneous melanomas (≥1 mm thickness).
- To stratify patients based on melanoma growth rate.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 200 patients.
- Deep-targeted sequencing of 40 melanoma driver genes.
- Comparison between FGMM (>0.5 mm/month) and non-FGMM (≤0.5 mm/month).
Main Results:
- FGMM group (70 patients) had significantly lower relapse-free survival (P=.014).
- FGMM exhibited a higher number of deleterious mutations (P=.033).
- Ulceration (P=.032), thickness (P=.006), lower sun exposure (P=.049), and FGFR2 mutations (P=.037) were associated with fast growth.
Conclusions:
- Fast melanoma growth is associated with distinct tumor biology and environmental factors.
- Ulceration, thickness, and FGFR2 mutations are significant predictors of fast growth.
- FGFR2 mutation screening could help identify FGMM for targeted adjuvant therapies.
