BRAF^V600EProtein Expression in Primary Cutaneous Malignant Melanomas and Paired Metastases

Abstract

We found VE1 immunohistochemical analysis to be a useful and rapid assay for BRAFV600E mutations that may contribute to the detection of intratumoral and intertumoral heterogenetic subclones. Tumors with positive results, including strong staining, should be expedited for confirmatory BRAF mutation testing. If this test result is negative, a false-negative result of the mutation analysis should be considered. Validation of VE1 immunohistochemical analysis in clinical practice is needed.