Liquid biopsy for detection and follow-up of melanomas

Background: Melanoma is responsible for over 90% of skin cancer deaths. BRAF, NRAS, and TERT promoter mutations occur together in more than 1/3 of melanomas. Monitoring metastatic disease using these markers requires tumor samples. However, liquid biopsy is a promising method for detecting specific molecules in body fluids. Implementing a minimally invasive method during disease progression could reduce the number of diagnostic exams, identify patients with cancer progression, and select individuals who would benefit from targeted therapy.