BRAFV600E and KIT immunoexpression in early-stage melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma is widely known as the most lethal skin cancer. Specific tumor-related mortality can be significantly reduced if diagnosis and treatment are properly performed during initial phases of the disease. The current search for biomarkers in early-stage melanomas is a high-priority challenge for physicians and researchers. We aimed to assess the immunoexpression of BRAFV600E and KIT in a case series consisting of 44 early-stage melanomas. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were systematically evaluated using a semi-quantitative method based on scores of percentage and intensity for immunostained tumor cells. We observed significant concordance between BRAFV600E and KIT immunoexpression in thin invasive melanomas. Our findings corroborate previous evidence showing abnormal expression of proteins associated with MAPK intracellular signaling pathway in early-stage melanomas.

The human melanoma proteome atlas—Defining the molecular pathology

“…[13][14][15][16] Currently, there is only one clinically validated predictive marker (BRAFV600E) for molecular targeted therapy. [17][18][19][20] Clinically useful markers are lacking for deciding on sequential administration of drugs in firstline management (targeted vs. immune checkpoint therapy). [21][22][23] Cutting-edge technologies (such as proteomics, single-cell transcriptomics, spatial imaging, machine learning, etc.)…”

“…Currently, there is only one clinically validated predictive marker (BRAFV600E) for molecular targeted therapy 17–20 . Clinically useful markers are lacking for deciding on sequential administration of drugs in first‐line management (targeted vs. immune checkpoint therapy) 21–23 .…”