Opinion|Videos|March 28, 2025
Gene Expression Profiling and Other Molecular Tests Utilized for Melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Author(s)David Cotter, MD, PhD
An expert discusses the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) prior to surgery, noting higher detection rates in stage III patients compared with stage IIB/C patients, and its significant association with a greater number of involved lymph nodes, extracapsular extension, and clinically evident disease, while also highlighting that all 6 patients with ctDNA detected during the surveillance period developed recurrent melanoma. The expert also provides an overview of the 40-gene expression profile (GEP) test for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) risk stratification and discusses its utility.
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Video content above is prompted by the following:
- Detection of ctDNA prior to surgery was higher in stage III patients than in stage IIB/C patient and was also significantly associated with a greater number of involved lymph nodes, extracapsular extension, and clinically evident disease.
- Of the 6 patients who had ctDNA detected during the surveillance period, all developed recurrent melanoma.
- A 40-GEP test has also been developed for the stratification of SCC patient risk. Could you provide an overview and discuss the utility of the test?
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