Pathogenetic Implications of BRAF Mutation Distribution in Stage IV Melanoma Patients.

Background: BRAF mutation frequencies in melanoma subtypes have clinical implications and offer pathogenetic clues.

Objectives: To characterize BRAF mutation status in melanoma of unknown primary (MUP) patients, in histological melanoma subtypes and by localization of primary tumors.

Methods: In 179 patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma, BRAF mutation status, histological subtype and localization of primary (except for 29 MUP patients) were analyzed.