BRAF mutation testing in melanoma: results from a German observational multicenter study

Hartmann A, Schirmacher P, Sterlacci W, Koch W, Liesenfeld DB, Schif B, Garbe C (2019)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Virchows Archiv Springer Verlag (Germany)

Book Volume: 474

Pages Range: 71-78

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1007/s00428-018-2480-4

Abstract

Quality control of BRAF mutation testing methods used in routine practice is crucial for optimal treatment selection. In this prospective study, we assessed the impact of patient/sample characteristics on BRAF mutation testing results in patients with melanoma, during clinical practice. Data were collected on routine testing practices and documented mutation status in patients with melanoma stages IIIB, IIIC, or IV across 28 diagnostic pathology centers in Germany. Patient/sample data collected included: patient age, location of primary melanoma and metastases, origin of sample, melanoma subtype, and quality of tissue. Statistical influence of patient/sample characteristics on BRAF mutation rate was assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses and statistical models developed to predict the probability of BRAF mutations for individual patient cohorts. Data/samples from 642 patients with melanoma were analyzed. BRAF mutations were documented in 241/642 patients (37.5%). The primary statistical model to predict BRAF mutation rates included: age (continuous), origin of sample, method of mutation analysis, and quality of tissue. Analyses of post hoc collected data identified major deviations between documented mutation rates included in this study vs. routinely recorded mutation rates for three centers. When samples from these centers were excluded, the influence of testing method was no longer statistically significant. The final model included patient age, origin of sample (including metastasis location), and quality of tissue. Once validated in an independent population, this type of model could allow pathology centers to compare the performance of their testing methods with what would be expected based on patient, tumor, and sample characteristics.

Authors with CRIS profile

Arndt Hartmann Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg DE Germany (DE) Klinikum Bayreuth DE Germany (DE) BDS Koch DE Germany (DE) Roche Deutschland Holding GmbH DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Tübingen DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Hartmann, A., Schirmacher, P., Sterlacci, W., Koch, W., Liesenfeld, D.B., Schif, B., & Garbe, C. (2019). BRAF mutation testing in melanoma: results from a German observational multicenter study. Virchows Archiv, 474(1), 71-78. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00428-018-2480-4

MLA:

Hartmann, Arndt, et al. "BRAF mutation testing in melanoma: results from a German observational multicenter study." Virchows Archiv 474.1 (2019): 71-78.

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