Mutations in certain genes in melanoma tissue are useful to guide decisions on treatment options, including FDA-approved drugs that target these mutated genes. Tumor mutation information can also be important for participation in some clinical trials.
Castle Biosciences offers a gene sequencing test that can find mutations in three genes commonly mutated in cutaneous melanoma, BRAF, NRAS and KIT. The gene sequencing test, DecisionDx-CMSeq, can be requested by your health care provider at the same time as the DecisionDx-Melanoma gene expression profile test, or it can be ordered separately. The DecisionDx-CMSeq test can be performed on the primary melanoma tumor (tissue from the biopsy or wide local excision) or on melanoma that has already spread to other parts of the body (metastatic tissue).
It is important to remember that information provided by the gene sequencing test is NOT the same as the DecisionDx-Melanoma GEP test. The DecisionDx-Melanoma GEP test predicts the likelihood of a melanoma tumor to develop metastasis, and classifies patients as low-risk (Class 1) or high-risk (Class 2). The DecisionDx-CMSeq gene sequencing test identifies mutations in the tumor that may indicate which treatments are appropriate for your melanoma.
Only your doctor or health care provider can order the DecisionDx-CMSeq test. This test will be billed to your insurance provider.
