Melanoma molecular subtypes: unifying and paradoxical results.
In this issue, Hacker and colleagues provide further evidence that molecular subtypes of malignant melanoma may develop along divergent pathways. The authors did not find an association between somatic BRAF-mutant melanoma and germline melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene status. We discuss this seeming paradox in light of previous studies demonstrating strong associations.
Thomas
Nancy E
NE
Department of Dermatology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. nthomas@med.unc.edu
Kanetsky
Peter A
PA
Begg
Colin B
CB
Conway
Kathleen
K
Berwick
Marianne
M
D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000235:genetics; D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1 / Q000235:genetics; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*
D044102:Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1; C482119:BRAF protein, human; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf