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VE1 immunohistochemical analysis effectively detects BRAF V600E mutations

VE1 immunohistochemical analysis to detect BRAF ^V600E mutations in primary and metastatic cutaneous malignant melanomas was found to be useful and more efficient than DNA-based methods, according to recently published study results.

Researchers retrospectively examined 200 cutaneous malignant melanomas (CMMs), including 124 primary tumors and 76 metastases, using VE1 immunohistochemical analysis between September 2012 and 2013 at Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Approximately 50% of CMMs contain BRAF ^V600E mutations, the researchers reported.

DNA mutational analyses were compared with the results. Intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity determination and VE1 immunohistochemical analysis sensitivity and specificity were outcomes and measures.

Ninety-four tumors (47%) showed detection of positive staining results with the VE1 antibody, with VE1 staining generally homogeneous.

VE1 staining intensity varied among the primary tumors and corresponding metastases in 63 of 135 tumors (46.7%), according to the researchers. However, changes in mutational status based on DNA analysis was reported in only four of the matched tumors (3%).

VE1 immunohistochemical analysis had an overall sensitivity of 96.7% and overall specificity of 94.5%. Primary CMMs had a lower specificity (92.4%) when compared with metastases (98.%), according to the researchers.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.