BRAF-Mutated Melanoma Journey in Latin America: Expert Recommendations From Diagnosis to Treatment

• Published in: Cancer control Vol. 31; p. 10732748241251572
• Main Authors: Bravo-Garzón, María A, Bornstein-Quevedo, Leticia, Camargo, Veridiana Pires de, Sanku, Gayatri, Jansen, Angela Marie, Macedo, Mariana Petaccia de, Rico-Restrepo, Mariana, Chacón, Matías
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SAGE Publications 01.01.2024; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Disparities in Cancer Treatment and Outcome; Humans; Latin America - epidemiology; Melanoma - diagnosis; Melanoma - genetics; Melanoma - therapy; Mutation; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf - genetics; Skin Neoplasms - diagnosis; Skin Neoplasms - genetics; Skin Neoplasms - therapy; Latin America; guidelines; melanoma in Latin America; precision medicine; digital pathology; BRAF-mutated melanoma
• ISSN: 1073-2748; 1526-2359
• DOI: 10.1177/10732748241251572

• Gather a panel of Latin American experts in testing and treating -melanoma. • Describe the current landscape of -mutated melanoma in Latin America. • Outline the current gaps in testing and recommend improvements for testing and treating -mutated melanoma in the region. Melanoma prevalence in Latin America is lower than in high- and middle-income countries. However, recent data indicate that the region's incidence and mortality are rising, with more stage IV patients being diagnosed. According to international clinical practice guidelines, conducting -mutation testing in patients with stage III or stage IV melanoma and high-risk resected disease is imperative. Still, -mutation testing and targeted therapies are inconsistently available in the region. Americas Health Foundation convened a meeting of Latin American experts on -mutated melanoma to develop guidelines and recommendations for diagnosis through treatment. Some recommendations for improving diagnostics through improving access and reducing the cost -mutation testing, enhancing efficiency in pathology laboratories, and creating country-specific local guidelines. The panel also gave treatment recommendations for neo-adjuvant therapy, adjuvant therapy, and therapy for patients with metastatic disease in Latin America.