Imatinib for Melanomas Harboring Mutationally Activated or Amplified <i>KIT</i> Arising on Mucosal, Acral, and Chronically Sun-Damaged Skin

Abstract

Melanomas that arise on mucosal, acral, or CSD skin should be assessed for KIT mutations. Imatinib can be effective when tumors harbor KIT mutations, but not if KIT is amplified only. NRAS mutations and KIT copy number gain may be mechanisms of therapeutic resistance to imatinib.