Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) in Dermatology, Part 1: Introduction, Development, Benefits, Limitations, and Future...

Gene expression profiling (GEP) is making a significant impact in dermatology by providing molecular insights that complement traditional diagnostic methods for skin cancer and inflammatory dermatoses. GEP evaluates messenger RNA levels to identify disease-specific patterns that can aid in diagnosis, prognostication, and/or treatment planning. Currently, commercially available tests for melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are available. The development of GEP tests follows a stepwise process, including discovery, validation, and clinical implementation. Despite challenges such as cost and the need for further prospective studies, advancements in GEP hold promise for supporting more personalized approaches to patient care.