Metastatic Malignant Melanoma with c-kit Gene Mutation

Abstract

A 54-year-old male had noticed a red erosive nodule penetrating the left fifth finger nail and the tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as malignant melanoma (T4bN0M0 Stage IIC). Finger amputation and left axillar lymphadenectomy followed by adjuvant DAV feron and monthly IFN-beta therapy were performed. Since distant metastasis to the gallbladder occurred 1 and half years after the surgery in spite of no lymph node and/or lung metastasis, a pancreatico-duodenectomy was performed. An active mutation on exon 11 of the c-kit gene was detected by direct sequence using metastatic lesion tissue, and imatinib mesylate (Glivec^®) was administered.Skin Research, 10: 411-416, 2011