Utility of Molecular Testing in Skin Cancer Risk Assessment

Video content above is prompted by the following:

• Various gene expression profiles have been studied for the diagnosis of melanoma (such as the 2- or 3-GEP pigmented lesion assay) as well as for melanoma prognosis (including the 31-GEP and 8-GEP tests). Biomarkers, including lactate dehydrogenase and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have also been investigated in melanoma classification strategies. What qualities of a particular genetic test are most important to clinicians seeking precise and reliable results?
• Discuss the following GEP/biomarker tests for melanoma:
• 31-GEP test
• Classifies risk into 1A, 1B, 2A, or 2B
• 1A patients have a higher MSS and OS compared with 1B/2A and 2B
• 1B/2A and 2B classification were independent predictors of MSS and OS
• Patients who underwent 31-GEP testing had lower MSS mortality and overall mortality when compared with untested patients