Mutations in BRAF have generated plenty of excitement because of the tight association between BRAF and response to vemurafenib (PLX4032 or RG7204), which is effective only in patients with the V600E alteration. However, the effect of BRAF V600 mutations on the natural history of melanoma tumors has never been fully explored. Researchers in Australia correlated BRAF mutation status with clinicopathologic variables in a cohort of 197 metastatic melanoma patients.
In the 95 patients (48%) with a BRAF mutation, 70 had the V600E alteration. Significant correlates with mutant BRAF melanoma included younger age at diagnosis of distant metastasis (median age, 56 years for mutant BRAF vs. 63 years for wild-type BRAF), superficial spreading or nodula…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical
EquityLubax
Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal
Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)
DisclosuresConsultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical
EquityLubax
Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal
Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)