TY - JOUR T1 - Absence of BRAF Gene Mutations Differentiates Spitz Nevi from Malignant Melanoma JF - Anticancer Research JO - Anticancer Res SP - 2415 LP - 2418 VL - 24 IS - 4 AU - DANIELA MIHIC-PROBST AU - AUREL PERREN AU - SONJA SCHMID AU - PARVIN SAREMASLANI AU - PAUL KOMMINOTH AU - PHILIPP U. HEITZ Y1 - 2004/07/01 UR - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/24/4/2415.abstract N2 - 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 ER -