PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - MIHIC-PROBST, DANIELA AU - PERREN, AUREL AU - SCHMID, SONJA AU - SAREMASLANI, PARVIN AU - KOMMINOTH, PAUL AU - HEITZ, PHILIPP U. TI - Absence of BRAF Gene Mutations Differentiates Spitz Nevi from Malignant Melanoma DP - 2004 Jul 01 TA - Anticancer Research PG - 2415--2418 VI - 24 IP - 4 4099 - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/24/4/2415.short 4100 - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/24/4/2415.full SO - Anticancer Res2004 Jul 01; 24 AB - Background: Distinction of Spitz nevus from malignant melanoma is sometimes difficult on the basis of conventional histology. A high rate of BRAF gene mutations in malignant melanomas (66%) and nevi (82%) has recently been reported. Materials and Methods: We screened a series of 20 Spitz nevi for BRAF mutations in exons 11 and 15 by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Results: BRAF mutations could not be identified in Spitz nevi. Conclusion: Our results show that mutations within the BRAF gene are useful markers for the differential diagnosis between Spitz nevus and malignant melanoma. Copyright© 2004 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved