As with other cancers, the process of the transformation ofnormal melanocytes into malignant melanoma requires the acquisitionof genomic abnormalities. Although progress in the search forthe targets of genetic aberration in cancer has been stunningin many respects, the clinical effect of this work has beenlimited. But it is clear that tracking down the genetic changesin cancer is no mere academic exercise; rather, it has provedto be a powerful approach to the selection of therapeutic targets.Progress in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia, gastrointestinalstromal tumor, and some lung cancers can be directly linked. . . [Full Text of this Article]
Source Information
Dr. Meltzer is head of the Section of Molecular Genetics, Cancer Genetics Branch, of the National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Md.
This article has been cited by other articles:
Harstad, L., Hess, K. R., Groves, M. D.
(2008). Prognostic factors and outcomes in patients with leptomeningeal melanomatosis. Neuro Oncol Duke
10: 1010-1018
[Abstract][Full Text]
Diaz-Cano, S. J., Ugurel, S., Houben, R., Becker, J. C., Vale, S., Miller, A., Mihm, M. C. Jr.
(2006). Molecular mechanisms in melanoma.. NEJM
355: 1395-1396
[Full Text]
Goding, C., Meyskens, F. L. Jr.
(2006). Microphthalmic-Associated Transcription Factor Integrates Melanocyte Biology and Melanoma Progression. Clin. Cancer Res.
12: 1069-1073
[Full Text]