Test Distinguishes Melanoma From Benign Moles

A new test has been developed that distinguishes between malignant melanoma and benign moles (nevi). The test is a new molecular diagnostics tool that enables pathologists to resolve difficult-to-diagnose cases through an objective genetic analysis.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and is more frequently diagnosed than ever before. Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) may resemble true melanomas and differentiation may be difficult on a histologic basis, even with immunohistochemistry. The new test uses gene expression microarray analysis of formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens to distinguish malignant melanoma from benign nevi.

FFPE specimens, less than three years old, were obtained from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA, CA, USA) department of pathology and laboratory medicine, as well as from Pathology Incorporated (Torrance, CA, USA). Specimens were classified by the labs as melanoma or nevus and were submitted in blinded fashion, stripped of all patient identifiers. Slides were created from the tissue blocks, and cells of interest were isolated with laser capture microdissection. Total mRNA was isolated, amplified, and labeled. Microarrays were hybridized and data analysis was performed using a microarray analysis software called GeneMaths. The results were in concordance with the pathologic diagnoses.

The melanoma array is a product of Combimatrix Molecular Diagnostics (CMDX, Irvine, CA, USA), which is a subsidiary of Accacia Research Corporation. The microarray test successfully distinguishes melanoma from nevi and may help clarify the malignant potential of some indeterminate melanocytic neoplasms. It is the first in a broad menu of array-based cancer tests that the company plans to release soon.

CMDX uses its technology for diagnostics development, drug development, and biodefense, in addition to partnerships for nanomaterials development. The company's CustomArray products are DNA microarrays, which have uses in pharmaceutical, biotech, and agrochemical industries as well as in research and government markets.



Related Links:
University of California at Los Angeles
Pathology Incorporated
Combimatrix Molecular Diagnostics