Biomarker Resource Center
Melanoma Biomarkers
Reviewed by XpertPatient Medical Advisory · Updated August 2026 · Primary Source: cancer.gov
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What Is a Biomarker — and Why Does It Matter for Your Treatment?
A biomarker in melanoma is usually a specific gene mutation found in your tumor. The most important one is called BRAF V600E — found in about 50% of melanomas.
Think of it like a clue. Your doctor collects clues from your biomarker test results. Those clues help build a picture of your cancer. That picture helps you have a more informed conversation with your care team about next steps.
How a Biomarker Test Works
A biomarker is a signal your cancer leaves behind. Your doctor finds it through a biopsy or blood test, reads your results, and uses them to choose the treatment most likely to work for your specific tumor.
Why Do Biomarkers Matter in Melanoma?
Melanoma now has two very effective treatment paths. Which one is right for you depends heavily on your BRAF mutation status. That makes biomarker testing one of the first and most important steps after a melanoma diagnosis.
The most important melanoma biomarkers are BRAF mutation status and PD-L1 expression. Together they help your doctor determine which treatment path is most appropriate for your situation.
A good question to ask your doctor: Ask your doctor what your BRAF status is and what it means for your care options.
Quick Poll
Have you been biomarker tested?
BRAF status is the single most important factor in determining your melanoma treatment path.
Source: DaCosta Byfield et al., JAMA Network Open, July 2025 · overall advanced cancer biomarker testing rate (n=26,311) · jamanetwork.com
The Tests Your Doctor May Order
Is there a mutation that drives fast growth and can be targeted?
BRAF V600E is found in about 50% of melanomas. When this mutation is present, a growth signal in the cancer cells gets stuck in the on position. Targeted approaches designed to block this signal are available. Ask your doctor what your BRAF status is and what it means.
Is there a related mutation in your tumor?
NRAS mutations are found in about 20% of melanomas. There are fewer targeted options for NRAS-mutated melanoma currently, but immunotherapy remains an important option. Ask your doctor whether NRAS was tested and what your result means.
Can immunotherapy help your immune system attack the cancer?
PD-L1 testing helps your doctor understand immunotherapy options. Even patients with low PD-L1 may benefit from certain immunotherapy combinations. Ask your doctor what your PD-L1 result means.
Sources: National Cancer Institute · Melanoma Research Foundation · American Cancer Society
Watch & Learn
Common Questions
Melanoma Biomarkers — Your Questions Answered
What does BRAF-positive mean for my care?
BRAF-positive means your tumor has this specific mutation. Your doctor will use this result as part of the conversation about your care options. Ask your doctor what approaches are commonly discussed for BRAF-positive melanoma.
What if I do not have a BRAF mutation?
BRAF-negative melanoma is primarily treated with immunotherapy. Ask your doctor what your results mean for your specific situation.
Can melanoma respond well to immunotherapy?
Yes, in some patients. Long-term data shows some patients achieve very long-lasting results with immunotherapy. This is one of the most active areas in cancer care today.
Should I seek care at a melanoma specialist center?
Many patients with advanced melanoma benefit from being seen at a center with melanoma expertise. Ask your doctor or the Melanoma Research Foundation at melanoma.org.
Knowledge Check
Test what you’ve learned
Three quick questions to help you feel more confident talking with your care team.
What percentage of melanomas have a BRAF V600E mutation?
Based on what you just read, how common is this mutation?
What happens when the BRAF V600E mutation is present?
Based on what you just read, what does BRAF V600E cause in cancer cells?
What does PD-L1 testing help your doctor decide?
Based on what you just read, how is PD-L1 used in melanoma care?
Keep these in mind for your next appointment.
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