Personalized insight through next-generation sequencing 

Improve disease classification and guide therapy decisions

Melanoma accounts for just 1% of skin cancer diagnoses but causes the majority of skin cancer deaths.1 Because of the heterogeneity of melanoma and unique genetic features of the cancer, prognosis and treatment can vary greatly. Accurate classification of an individual’s melanoma is vital to both understanding the illness’s implications on the patient and placing them on the proper treatment path.


Learn more about our full suite of MayoComplete next-generation sequencing panels for hematologic and oncologic conditions.


By the numbers


99K+

new melanomas diagnosed in 20221


~85

genetic loci associated with melanoma2


17

carefully selected genes associated with melanoma included on the MayoComplete melanoma panel

Increase understanding through advanced genetic testing

Mayo Clinic Laboratories melanoma testing uses next-generation sequencing to identify variants in 17 genes associated with diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment guidance. Offering increased sensitivity for heightened accuracy, our comprehensive melanoma evaluation includes full exonic sequencing of the genes, as opposed to evaluating only targeted areas. The MayoComplete Melanoma Panel can help to identify difficult tumors or classify known tumors for targeted therapy guidance. In addition, our assay provides information on microsatellite instability (MSI).

Key testing

Advantages

  • Uses next-generation sequencing to evaluate 17 melanoma-specific genes to guide diagnosis, prognosis, and tumor classification.
  • High accuracy and sensitivity.
  • Helps distinguish between benign and malignant cases.
  • Guides decisions on targeted treatment options.  
  • Developed, validated, analyzed, and interpreted by Mayo Clinic experts.
  • A full menu of complementary microarray, FISH, and IHC testing available, providing full-spectrum testing in one laboratory.

When to consider testing

  • In newly diagnosed patients to gain insights on prognosis, diagnosis, and therapeutic response.
  • In patients who have developed recurrence or whose illness has metastasized and requires targeted therapy.
  • In instances of unusual pathological diagnoses.

Genes included in MayoComplete Melanoma Panel*

  • BAP1
  • BRAF
  • CDKN2A
  • CTNNB1
  • EIF1AX
  • GNA11
  • GNAQ
  • HRAS
  • KIT
  • KRAS
  • MAP2K1
  • MAP2K2
  • NF1
  • NRAS
  • SF3B1
  • TERT promoter
  • TP53

Melanoma panel provides more tumor information 

In this test specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Ruifeng (Ray) Guo, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' comprehensive melanoma panel better informs prognosis and treatment.

Answers, not just results

Because testing is complex and selecting the right assay can be challenging, our team of board-certified geneticists and genetic counselors is available to assist with questions related to testing options and results interpretation.

Learn more about how to order these tests at your institution.


References

  1. The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer. American Cancer Society. Updated January 12, 2022. Accessed October 7, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
  2. New genetic regions linked to risk of melanoma. NIH Research Matters, National Institutes of Health. Published May 5, 2020. Accessed October 7, 2022. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/new-genetic-regions-linked-risk-melanoma