Relationship of Histopathologic Parameters and Gene Expression Profiling in Malignant Melanoma

Abstract

Background

Histopathologic characteristics (HC) are a mainstay in melanoma prognosis; gene expression profiling (GEP) has emerged as a potential additional independent value.

Objective

To elucidate HC predictive of groups obtained via GEP of malignant melanoma.

Methods

A retrospective study analyzing HC of 265 melanomas submitted for GEP over the course of 8 years. GEP was conducted as a part of regular clinicopathologic workup through Castle Biosciences Decision Dx^®.

Results

Of the 265 cases, the major HC found to have an association with reported gene expression profiles were melanoma histology subtype, depth of invasion, and presence of ulcer.

Limitations

This study is limited by its cross-sectional nature. Causation and long-term related outcomes of the use of GEP versus American Joint Committee on Cancer histopathologic staging cannot be ascertained by this design.

Conclusions

An association, but no definitive prediction, exists between histopathologic categories of depth of invasion, melanoma subtype, and presence or absence of ulcer and gene expression profiles. GEP adds valuable data to the evaluation of malignant melanomas that cannot be definitively predicted by conventional models. The findings add to needed groundwork for comparison of traditional markers and molecular genotyping and begins to build a robust predictive model for better outcomes in patients with malignant melanoma.