Study Aim: Melanomas arising in acral sites are associated with a poorer prognosis than other melanoma subtypes. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical-pathological and genetic characteristics as well as therapeutic responses of a larger cohort of patients with melanomas arising in acral sites.
Methods: Clinical data of 134 patients with melanomas arising in acral sites from the Dept. of Dermatology Essen were collected and analysed with regard to clinicopathological characteristics and treatment responses. Genetic analysis with targeted next-generation sequencing was done on 50 samples.
Results: In our cohort, BRAF (30%), NRAS (28%), TERT promoter (26%), NF1 (14%) and KIT (6%) were frequently identified mutations. Comparing tumours situated on palms and soles with melanomas arising on dorsal acral sites, a higher frequency of NRAS (39.1% versus 25%) and NF1 (17.3% versus 0%) and lower frequencies of BRAF (21.7% versus 75%) and TERT promoter (8.6% versus 50%) mutations were observed. MAPK activating mutations were identified in 64% of tumours. Overall survival was longer in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors as first-line treatment than in patients receiving other systemic therapies (i.e. BRAF/MEK inhibitors and chemotherapy).
Conclusion: Our data suggest that the genetics of melanomas arising in acral sites varies by tumour location and may influence biological behaviour.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8140290 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2019.07.008 | DOI Listing |
Melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. In contrast to non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is more invasive. Melanoma was distinguished by its rapid progression, high metastatic potential, and significant resistance to conventional therapies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCase Rep Dermatol
January 2025
Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, PR China.
Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin malignancy, accounting for approximately 80% of all non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a significant risk factor for BCC development, which typically occurs in sun-exposed areas. BCC arising in non-sun-exposed regions, such as the nipple-areola complex (NAC), is exceedingly rare, with fewer than 100 cases reported globally.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
December 2024
Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Madurai, Madurai, IND.
Melanoma is a highly aggressive malignancy originating from melanocytes, characterized by its potential to arise in various anatomic locations, both common and rare. The incidence of melanoma has been steadily increasing globally, with variations in clinical presentation, tumor behavior, and prognosis depending on the anatomical site involved. Understanding the diverse pathological spectrum of melanoma is critical for optimizing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMod Pathol
January 2025
Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Electronic address:
Deep penetrating nevi (DPNs) are characterized by activating mutations in the MAP kinase and Wnt/beta-catenin pathways that result in large melanocytes with increased nuclear atypia, cytoplasmic pigmentation, and often mitotic activity. Together with a lack of maturation, this constellation of findings creates challenges for pathologists to distinguish deep penetrating nevus (DPN) from DPN-like melanoma. To assess the utility of next generation sequencing (NGS) in resolving this diagnostic dilemma, we performed NGS studies on 35 lesions including 24 DPNs and 11 DPN-like melanomas to characterize the specific genomic differences between the two groups and elucidate the genetic events involved in malignant transformation of DPNs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Dermatopathol
December 2024
Department of Surgical Oncology, St. John's Medical College & Hospital, Bangalore, India.
Introduction: Melanoma arising in blue nevus (BN) is usually evident on histopathology. However, there are cases in the gray zone where neither morphology nor immunostains and molecular studies are conclusive.
Case Report: A 33-year-old man presented with greenish discoloration of the abdominal skin at birth.
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