Incidence of BRAF oncogene mutation and clinical relevance for primary cutaneous melanomas

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to clarify the incidence of B-raf oncogene (BRAF) mutations in primary cutaneous melanomas, their relation to tumor progression, and effect on disease outcome. Somatic mutations of BRAF kinase, a component of the Ras-mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, are frequently reported (>65%) in nevi and malignant melanomas. Experimental Design: We assessed BRAF mutation frequency in exons 11 and 15 in primary (n = 59) and metastatic (n = 68) melanomas. Direct sequencing of PCR products was performed on DNA isolated and purified from microdissected tumors. Results: Eighteen mutations (31%) at exon 15 were detected in primary melanoma with a significantly (P = 0.001) higher frequency in patients < 60 years old. Incidence of BRAF mutation did not correlate with Breslow thickness. Presence of BRAF mutation of primary tumors did not effect overall disease-free survival. BRAF mutation frequency in metastatic lesions was 57% and significantly (P = 0.0024) higher than primary melanomas. Conclusions: The study suggests that BRAF mutation may be acquired during development of metastasis but is not a significant factor for primary tumor development and disease outcome.