Prognostic value of BRAF mutations in localized cutaneous melanoma.

Abstract

BRAF mutations are frequent in melanoma but their prognostic significance remains unclear. We sought to further evaluate the prognostic value of BRAF mutations in localized cutaneous melanoma. We undertook an observational retrospective study of 147 patients with localized invasive (stages I and II) cutaneous melanomas to determine the prognostic value of BRAF mutation status. After a median follow-up of 48 months, patients with localized melanomas with BRAF-mutant melanomas exhibited poorer disease-free survival than those with BRAF-wt genotype (hazard ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-4.3) even after adjustment for Breslow thickness, tumor ulceration, location, age, sex, and tumor mitotic rate. The retrospective design and the small number of events are limitations. Our findings suggest that reappraisal of clinical treatment approaches for patients with localized melanoma harboring tumors with BRAF mutation might be warranted.