title: Molecular targeted approaches for advanced BRAF V600, N-RAS, c-KIT, and GNAQ melanomas.
abstract: The introduction of a newly developed target therapy for metastatic melanomas poses the challenge to have a good molecular stratification of those patients who may benefit from this therapeutic option. Practically, BRAF mutation status (V600E) is commonly screened although other non-V600E mutations (i.e., K-R-M-D) could be found in some patients who respond to therapy equally to the patients harboring V600E mutations. Furthermore, other mutations, namely, N-RAS, KIT, and GNAQ, should be sequenced according to distinct melanoma specific subtypes and clinical aspects. In our report, a practical flow chart is described along with our experience in this field.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ponti
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Medicine and Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Ponti
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giovanni
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pellacani
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Pellacani
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giovanni
authors.forename: Aldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tomasi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Medicine and Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Tomasi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aldo
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Loschi
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Loschi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pietro
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Luppi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Luppi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gabriele
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gelsomino
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Gelsomino
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fabio
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Longo
authors.forename: Longo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Caterina
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D005260:Female; D020558:GTP Phosphohydrolases / Q000235:genetics*; D044385:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits / Q000235:genetics*; D043802:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D020125:Mutation, Missense; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics*; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / Q000235:genetics*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; C554061:GNAQ protein, human; D044385:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit; C482119:BRAF protein, human; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; D020558:GTP Phosphohydrolases; C579846:NRAS protein, human; D043802:GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11