Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Approximately 5% to 10% of melanoma may be hereditary in nature, and about 2% of melanoma can be specifically attributed to pathogenic germline mutations in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A). To appropriately identify the small proportion of patients who benefit most from referral to a genetics specialist for consideration of genetic testing for CDKN2A, we have reviewed available published studies of CDKN2A mutation analysis in cohorts with invasive, cutaneous melanoma and found variability in the rate of CDKN2A mutations based on geography, ethnicity, and the type of study and eligibility criteria used. Except in regions of high melanoma incidence, such as Australia, we found higher rates of CDKN2A positivity in individuals with 3 or more primary invasive melanomas and/or families with at least one invasive melanoma and two or more other diagnoses of invasive melanoma and/or pancreatic cancer among first- or seconddegree relatives on the same side of the family. The work summarized in this review should help identify individuals who are appropriate candidates for referral for genetic consultation and possible testing.

Comments

J Am Acad Dermatol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2012 March 19. Published in final edited form as: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 October; 61(4): 677.e1–677.14. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.03.016 PMCID: PMC3307795 NIHMSID: NIHMS308558

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