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Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma
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Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma

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BRAF Mutations in Melanoma: Biological Aspects, Therapeutic Implications, and Circulating Biomarkers

Giorgia Castellani1, Mariachiara Buccarelli1, Maria Beatrice Arasi1

  • 1Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.

Cancers
|August 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

BRAF mutations drive melanoma pathogenesis and impact treatment response. Understanding resistance mechanisms and circulating biomarkers is crucial for improving outcomes in BRAF-mutated melanoma patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer, arises from melanocyte transformation.
  • Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have improved melanoma patient outcomes.
  • BRAF mutations, particularly V600E, are frequent in melanoma, activating the MAPK pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Review the role of BRAF mutational status in melanoma pathogenesis.
  • Examine BRAF's impact on melanoma differentiation and inflammation.
  • Discuss resistance mechanisms to targeted therapies in BRAF-mutated melanoma.
  • Overview circulating biomarkers for melanoma management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of BRAF mutations in melanoma.
  • Analysis of BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway activation.
  • Examination of melanoma differentiation and inflammation.
  • Review of resistance mechanisms to BRAF inhibitors.
  • Survey of circulating biomarkers (ctDNA, CTCs, ncRNAs).

Main Results:

  • BRAF mutations are key drivers of melanoma development.
  • BRAF inhibitors offer promising therapeutic results.
  • Therapeutic resistance remains a significant challenge.
  • Circulating biomarkers show potential for monitoring melanoma.

Conclusions:

  • BRAF mutational status is critical in melanoma pathogenesis and treatment.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is vital for overcoming therapeutic failure.
  • Circulating biomarkers offer non-invasive monitoring strategies for BRAF-mutated melanoma.
Keywords:
BRAF V600BRAF mutationsbiomarkersmelanomatargeted therapy resistance

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