[Molecular diagnostics of melanomas]. / Molekulare Diagnostik bei melanozytären Tumoren.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Technical advances have led to an intricate understanding of genetic alterations occurring in melanomas. Methodological improvements have made it possible to carry out a detailed molecular analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples. OBJECTIVES: The currently available molecular genetic assays are presented with their individual strengths and weaknesses as well as their future potential for molecular analysis. METHODS: The available literature, assessments from different experts, as well as personal experiences with the different methods are presented and discussed. RESULTS: The molecular genetic methods introduced in recent years can be helpful in making a distinction between benign and malignant tumors. Additionally, DNA sequencing approaches are essential for stratifying which patients with metastasized tumors will benefit from available targeted therapies. CONCLUSION: Molecular genetic assays are already a key element in terms of diagnosing and treating malignant melanoma. Similar to other methods, genetic assays have their weaknesses and limits, however, some of these will most likely be overcome in the course of future methodological advances. The role of molecular diagnostics as a complementary approach to customary histopathological review by a pathologist is likely to increase in the future.