Screening identifies gene mutation frequency in female genital-tract melanomas
In a study evaluating the occurrence of certain gene mutations in female genital-tract melanomas, KIT, NRAS and BRAF mutations were identified most frequently, according to researchers.
Using the Duke Melanoma Database and Duke University Tumor Registry, the researchers retrospectively identified and reviewed 11 cases of melanoma stemming from the female genital tract with retrievable tumor material and 11 control cases of benign melanocytic lesions. They also obtained data on 14 additional cases of female genital-tract melanoma that were not previously published from the Oregon Health and Science University pathology archives.
The researchers performed mutational screening of BRAF, NRAS, KIT and GNAQ on 25 female genital-tract melanomas, including those stemming from the vagina, vulva, labia, introitus and cervix.
Among the 25 melanomas screened, KIT mutations were detected in four of the samples, NRAS mutations were detected in four of the samples and BRAF mutations were detected in two of the samples. No GNAQ or GNA11 mutations were identified among 11 melanomas that were screened, according to the researchers.
The majority of melanomas lacked a detectable driver mutation in the oncogenes most commonly associated with melanoma, suggesting that other genes that have not yet been identified may be important in the development of genital melanomas, the researchers wrote.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.