Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Researchers funded by the NIH analyzed data from two large studies in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, including nearly 700,000 participants, both healthy and those with melanoma. They focused on eight genes known to increase melanoma risk, finding these mutations were rare in healthy individuals but more common in melanoma patients. Younger patients under 40 with a single melanoma and those with multiple melanomas were more likely to carry one of these gene mutations.
The study also found some melanoma-associated gene mutations linked to higher risks for other cancers, such as prostate, breast cancer, and myeloma. Dr. Michael Sargen of the NIH, who led the study, noted that individuals with melanoma and these mutations may face an increased risk for other cancers in different tissues.
The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to confirm these associations and suggested that genetic testing could help patients and families better understand their broader cancer risks.