Unmasking the “targetless” illusion: branched clonal evolution of TERT and KIT in acral melanoma revealed by sequential multi-site biopsies- a case report - Takeaways - MDSpire

Unmasking the “targetless” illusion: branched clonal evolution of TERT and KIT in acral melanoma revealed by sequential multi-site biopsies- a case report

  • By

  • Yuqiao Fu

  • Peng Li

  • Ke Li

  • Lei Jiang

  • Yingzi Liang

  • Lipei Shao

  • Ya Zhang

  • Chunlei Ge

  • Zhaoqi Zhang

  • Ying Wang

  • Ruilei Li

  • May 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The study highlights the dynamic branching clonal evolution of TERT and KIT mutations in a patient with metastatic acral melanoma.

  • 2

    Genetic testing revealed a TERT mutation in an inguinal lymph node metastasis, while a subsequent abdominal metastasis showed a KIT mutation.

  • 3

    Retrospective analysis confirmed that TERT and KIT mutations coexisted in a subclonal pattern in the primary melanoma lesion.

  • 4

    The KIT p.Ala829Pro mutation demonstrated inherent resistance to imatinib, contributing to treatment failure.

  • 5

    This case underscores the importance of serial biopsies in capturing tumor heterogeneity and guiding precision oncology.

Original Source(s)

Unmasking the “targetless” illusion: branched clonal evolution of TERT and KIT in acral melanoma revealed by sequential multi-site biopsies- a case report

  • by Yuqiao Fu, Peng Li, Ke Li, Lei Jiang, Yingzi Liang, Lipei Shao, Ya Zhang, Chunlei Ge, Zhaoqi Zhang, Ying Wang, Ruilei Li

  • May 20, 2026

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