Highlights:
Researchers from the NYU Langone Medical Center and its Perlmutter
Cancer Center, along with Bio-Rad Laboratories, have come up with simple blood
tests to diagnose recurrences of malignant melanoma (a dangerous skin cancer)
early. Their research is being presented at the annual meeting of the
American Association for Cancer Research in April 2017.
Malignant melanoma is a very aggressive form of
skin cancer that arises from the melanocytes or the pigment-producing cells of
the skin. Unlike other skin cancers that usually spread only locally,
malignant melanoma quickly spreads to internal organs and can even cause death.
Therefore, it is extremely important to diagnose the cancer at an early stage. An asymmetrical mole with irregular margins
that is more than 6mm in diameter and increasing in size, and varies in color,
should be tested for malignant melanoma. - Patients with malignant melanoma often experience recurrences which warrant change in treatment
- A simple blood test that detects mutations in a gene that encodes for the TERT protein can detect recurrences in those individuals that do not have the BRAF or NRAS genes
- The test is currently being used for research purposes, and is not yet available for patients
Vemurafenib Improves Survival in Advanced Malignant Melanoma
Vemurafenib is a new oral drug that improves survival in advanced malignant melanoma.
Vemurafenib is a new oral drug that improves survival in advanced malignant melanoma.
‘Detection of genetic mutations in DNA released by cancer cells into the blood can help to detect recurrences of malignant melanoma’
Tweet it Now
Mutations in the BRAF or NRAS
genes have been associated with malignant melanoma. They promote the growth of
the cancer. Medications are available that specifically target cancers with the
BRAF mutation. Researchers have found simple blood tests that can diagnose the recurrence of malignant melanoma in its early stages, even in those patients who do not have defects in the BRAF or NRAS genes. The new tests detect mutations in the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), the genetic material that has been released into the blood by the cancer cells. They specifically test for two mutations, C228T and C250T, in a gene that controls a protein called telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), which promotes the multiplication of the cancer cells. The researchers could detect even 1 percent of mutated ctDNA in a typical blood plasma sample of 5 milliliters, thus highlighting the sensitivity of the test.
The new tests have several advantages. The results of the tests can be made available as early as within 48 hours. They also avoid the need for repeated radiological tests like CT scans, which are not only expensive, but also expose the patient to radiation.
Melanoma - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Melanoma of the skin is a dangerous type of skin cancer that usually appears as a cancerous mole due to exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Melanoma of the skin is a dangerous type of skin cancer that usually appears as a cancerous mole due to exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays.
Reference:
- Corless B et al. Detection of TERT C228T and C250T promoter mutations in melanoma tumor and plasma samples using novel mutation-specific droplet digital PCR assays. For presentation at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (2017).
Advertisement
New Treatment Resistant Mechanism Identified In BRAF Mutant Melanoma
Inactivation of tumor suppressors STAG2 or STAG3 reactivates cell-growth signaling pathway in BRAF mutant melanoma.
Inactivation of tumor suppressors STAG2 or STAG3 reactivates cell-growth signaling pathway in BRAF mutant melanoma.
Test your Knowledge on Moles and Melanoma
Melanoma is a skin condition that is often a consequence of excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Test your knowledge on melanoma by taking this quiz.
Melanoma is a skin condition that is often a consequence of excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Test your knowledge on melanoma by taking this quiz.
