The Use of Gene Expression Profiling and Biomarkers in Melanoma Diagnosis and Predicting Recurrence: Implications for Surveillance and Treatment

James Sun ¹, Kameko M Karasaki ², Jeffrey M Farma ¹

⁰Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19002, USA.

Cancers +

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February 10, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Gene expression profiling (GEP) tests aim to improve melanoma prognostication beyond traditional staging. Current guidelines do not recommend GEP for clinical decisions due to insufficient evidence.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Dermatology
Molecular Diagnostics

Background

Cutaneous melanoma incidence and mortality are rising in the US.
Prognostic uncertainty persists for early- and intermediate-stage melanoma patients.
Gene expression profiling (GEP) offers a molecular approach to risk stratification.

Purpose Of The Study

To review the literature on GEP tests for melanoma diagnosis and prognostication.
To evaluate the role of GEP in current melanoma treatment paradigms.
To address the need for improved accuracy in melanoma prognostication.

Main Methods

Literature review of GEP testing in melanoma.
Analysis of GEP's ability to predict outcomes independently of AJCC staging and clinicopathologic features.
Examination of current treatment guidelines regarding molecular testing.

Main Results

GEP tests aim to identify high- or low-risk melanoma patients.
These tests seek to prognosticate independently of established staging factors.
Current society guidelines do not recommend GEP outside clinical trials.

Conclusions

GEP holds potential for enhancing melanoma prognostication and diagnosis.
High-quality evidence is needed to guide the clinical use and interpretation of GEP results.
Understanding the current landscape of GEP is crucial for its integration into treatment paradigms.

Keywords:

circulating tumor DNA cutaneous melanoma gene expression profiling molecular profile personalized medicine