Clinical and molecular characteristics and metastatic pathways of patients with cutaneous melanoma

Dr Nikki Adler et.al

Melanoma can spread through the bloodstream and/or the lymphatic channels. This project aims to identify if melanomas with particular genetic mutations behave differently to melanomas without these mutations in the ways that they spread through the body. That is, this project will identify the characteristics of melanomas that are more likely to spread to the lymph nodes, to nearby skin or directly to distant organs, such as the brain.

This will determine if information on the genetic mutation of the melanoma can assist with predicting the routes of spread. The results of this project will assist in the development of more personalised monitoring of patients based on the characteristics of their melanoma.