Use of BRAF Immunohistochemistry as a Screening Test in Detecting BRAFV600E Mutation in Melanomas

Abstract

Objective: BRAF mutation is detected in 50-70% of melanomas. The molecular methods used to detect BRAF mutations are 80-90% sensitive, specific, and expensive methods. Immunohistochemistry is a relatively common, rapid, relatively inexpensive method in pathology practice compared to molecular techniques. Aims: We aimed to compare immunohistochemical and molecular methods in our case of malign melanoma in which we investigated BRAF mutation with "real time PCR" method and to investigate the compatibility of molecular test results of BRAF immunohistochemistry results as a preliminary test. Methods: Selected blocks of 30 patients with metastatic melanoma who came to our department for BRAF mutation detection were subjected to real time PCR molecular method and immunohistochemical study was performed with BRAF primer antibody. Results: BRAF mutation was detected by molecular method in 7 of 30 cases (23.33%). Conclusion: In all of these 7 cases, positive immunohistochemical staining was identified (100%). In conclusion, the use of BRAF immunohistochemistry as a screening test in the detection of mutant disease will allow the cost-effective use of molecular testing.