Proteomic and Molecular Changes in Cutaneous Melanoma Metastasis
Source: Dermatology Times, April 2023
In a study, researchers sought to obtain up-to-date information about changes in the metastatic melanoma progression journey, particularly to varying regions, and even organs of the body, in order to improve patient treatment response and survival rates.
Researchers first obtained formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples of human primary melanoma (n=21), regional lymph node metastatic melanoma (n=19), and distant organ metastatic melanoma (n=20). A dermatopathologist examined clinical notes and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained lesion sections to confirm the lesion’s exact diagnosis.
Furthermore, researchers collected lymph node samples from patient participants who had not previously received treatment, as well as 4 patients whose melanoma had progressed while being treated (with dabrafenib, pembrolizumab, or trametinib). Researchers also evaluated patients’ demographic information and certain disease-specific data, including tumour stage, Breslow thickness, mitotic count, presence or lack of ulceration, and Clark level.