New test differentiates melanoma from benign lesions

A newly launched diagnostic test by Myriad Genetics can differentiate malignant melanoma from benign skin lesions.

The myPath Melanoma diagnostic test is being released along with an early-access program - The melEval Program - that will introduce the diagnostic test to dermatopathologists around the United States, according to a news release.

The test has undergone two independent clinical trials, with data demonstrating more than 90 percent accuracy in distinguishing malignant melanoma from benign lesions, the company states. Additional study results from an independent clinical validation study will be presented in March 2014 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“Myriad myPath Melanoma is designed for … difficult-to-diagnose cases and will provide healthcare providers with objective data that will improve the diagnosis of patients with suspicious skin lesions,” Mark C. Capone, Myriad president, said in the news release.

The diagnostic test has an average price of about $1,500 and will be sold through a specialty sales force at Myriad.