Molecular diagnostic strategies: a role in the practice of dermatology

Abstract

Molecular diagnostic strategies are gaining wider acceptance and use in dermatology and dermatopathology as more practitioners in this field develop an understanding of the principles and applications of genomic technologies. Molecular testing is facilitating more accurate diagnosis, staging, and prognostication, in addition to guiding the selection of appropriate treatment, monitoring of therapy, and identification of novel therapeutic targets, for a wide variety of skin diseases.

Keeping up with the times: revising the dermatology residency curriculum in the era of molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine

“…[6][7][8][9] MDx technologies include karyotyping, southern blot analysis, polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence in situ hybridization, comparative genome hybridization, DNA microarrays, and DNA sequencing; however, this list is by no means exhaustive. 5,6 As we move forward, MDx technologies have the potential to play a significant role in the diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment planning for: (1) cutaneous neoplasms, including melanoma and lymphoma; (2) inflammatory dermatoses; (3) infectious diseases of the skin; (4) genodermatoses; (5) wound healing disorders; and (6) alopecias. [5][6][7][8][9] It is evident from recent publications that MDx technologies are far from limited in their scope and application to the practice of dermatology.…”

“…5,6 As we move forward, MDx technologies have the potential to play a significant role in the diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment planning for: (1) cutaneous neoplasms, including melanoma and lymphoma; (2) inflammatory dermatoses; (3) infectious diseases of the skin; (4) genodermatoses; (5) wound healing disorders; and (6) alopecias. [5][6][7][8][9] It is evident from recent publications that MDx technologies are far from limited in their scope and application to the practice of dermatology.…”

“…A comprehensive textbook and a number of review papers have recently been published, which highlight the MDx strategies currently available and proposed for future use in dermatologic practice . MDx technologies include karyotyping, southern blot analysis, polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence in situ hybridization, comparative genome hybridization, DNA microarrays, and DNA sequencing; however, this list is by no means exhaustive .…”

“…A comprehensive textbook and a number of review papers have recently been published, which highlight the MDx strategies currently available and proposed for future use in dermatologic practice . MDx technologies include karyotyping, southern blot analysis, polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence in situ hybridization, comparative genome hybridization, DNA microarrays, and DNA sequencing; however, this list is by no means exhaustive . As we move forward, MDx technologies have the potential to play a significant role in the diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment planning for: (1) cutaneous neoplasms, including melanoma and lymphoma; (2) inflammatory dermatoses; (3) infectious diseases of the skin; (4) genodermatoses; (5) wound healing disorders; and (6) alopecias .…”

Molecular testing practices and perceptions among dermatopathologists

“…The molecular pathways of cutaneous carcinogenesis continue to be discovered, with concurrent development of relevant diagnostic assays and molecularly targeted therapies . Such data promise improved diagnosis, enhanced prognostication and risk assessment, streamlined therapeutic intervention, and better patient outcomes for a range of skin cancers . However, recent studies highlight the fact that these molecular breakthroughs have yet to be fully incorporated into physician training or subsequent clinical practice .…”