BRAF

In my case I was not orginally tested, however I was lucky enough that I decided to save the tumor for research/further testing.  My orginal Onc moved across the country, so I ended up with a different Onc at a differnt clinic and he requested a specimen for testing.  I would call your Onc. and ask, if they do not plan on genetic testing, if not request it.

Mary

Stage 3

Braf Pos

In my case I was not orginally tested, however I was lucky enough that I decided to save the tumor for research/further testing.  My orginal Onc moved across the country, so I ended up with a different Onc at a differnt clinic and he requested a specimen for testing.  I would call your Onc. and ask, if they do not plan on genetic testing, if not request it.

Mary

Stage 3

Braf Pos

I suspect that genetic testing of melanoma tumors is common now.  I recommend you ask that a sample of the tumor be saved and ask for it to be tested for the Braf mutation.  

When I started this journey in 2009, interferon and interlukin treatments were the norm.  I went through both.  After several recurrences, a sample of my initial tumor was tested and showed positive for the BRAF mutation.  I am currently in a clinical trial with GSK and am showing some good results with the mets in my lungs, liver and spleen.  Several new treatments that target this mutation have been approved over the last year and more will come in the near future.  Good luck to you.

I suspect that genetic testing of melanoma tumors is common now.  I recommend you ask that a sample of the tumor be saved and ask for it to be tested for the Braf mutation.  

When I started this journey in 2009, interferon and interlukin treatments were the norm.  I went through both.  After several recurrences, a sample of my initial tumor was tested and showed positive for the BRAF mutation.  I am currently in a clinical trial with GSK and am showing some good results with the mets in my lungs, liver and spleen.  Several new treatments that target this mutation have been approved over the last year and more will come in the near future.  Good luck to you.

DNA Mutation is not automatically done, yet.  One day it will be, but not at many locations now. Specialized labs are required for conducting the DNA mutation tests.   The site of the melanoma primary can also play an  important part in which onco-protein and DNA mutation you should have.  For general melanoma locations BRAF is the most common, for others like Mucosal melanoma, Acral lentiginous melanoma (AL), and chronically sun-damaged (CSD) sites C-kit is oncoproteins and DNA mutations are likey to be present. 

http://www.asco.org/ascov2/Meetings/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=65&abstractID=31944

These are the two general categories of Mutations that Targeted drugs are available for.  There are other mutations that they are researching and working on targeted drugs for.  For the general melanoma patients without these two types of mutations,  IL-2 and Yervoy are the most successful treatments to date.

DNA Mutation is not automatically done, yet.  One day it will be, but not at many locations now. Specialized labs are required for conducting the DNA mutation tests.   The site of the melanoma primary can also play an  important part in which onco-protein and DNA mutation you should have.  For general melanoma locations BRAF is the most common, for others like Mucosal melanoma, Acral lentiginous melanoma (AL), and chronically sun-damaged (CSD) sites C-kit is oncoproteins and DNA mutations are likey to be present. 

http://www.asco.org/ascov2/Meetings/Abstracts?&vmview=abst_detail_view&confID=65&abstractID=31944

These are the two general categories of Mutations that Targeted drugs are available for.  There are other mutations that they are researching and working on targeted drugs for.  For the general melanoma patients without these two types of mutations,  IL-2 and Yervoy are the most successful treatments to date.