BRAFV600E Mutation: From Molecular Test to Immunohistochemical Stain

The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is aberrantly activated in melanoma and other solid tumors. The most common BRAF mutation in metastatic malignant melanoma (~75% of cases) is a single amino acid substitution of valine for glutamic acid at the residue 600 (V600E). Potent inhibitors of mutant BRAFV600E have recently been shown to improve progression-free and overall survival. Rapid detection of the mutation is essential for optimal patient care. This study compares the sensitivity and specificity of VE1 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and conventional DNA molecular techniques for detecting this mutation. (See also this summary for coverage of a related recent study of VE1.)

In this retrospective study of stage II…