Genomic Classification of Cutaneous Melanoma

Cell. 2015 Jun 18;161(7):1681-96. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.05.044.

Abstract

We describe the landscape of genomic alterations in cutaneous melanomas through DNA, RNA, and protein-based analysis of 333 primary and/or metastatic melanomas from 331 patients. We establish a framework for genomic classification into one of four subtypes based on the pattern of the most prevalent significantly mutated genes: mutant BRAF, mutant RAS, mutant NF1, and Triple-WT (wild-type). Integrative analysis reveals enrichment of KIT mutations and focal amplifications and complex structural rearrangements as a feature of the Triple-WT subtype. We found no significant outcome correlation with genomic classification, but samples assigned a transcriptomic subclass enriched for immune gene expression associated with lymphocyte infiltrate on pathology review and high LCK protein expression, a T cell marker, were associated with improved patient survival. This clinicopathological and multi-dimensional analysis suggests that the prognosis of melanoma patients with regional metastases is influenced by tumor stroma immunobiology, offering insights to further personalize therapeutic decision-making.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Databases, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / classification*
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • National Cancer Institute (U.S.)
  • Skin Neoplasms / classification*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*
  • United States