Biomarker Resource Center
Melanoma Biomarkers
Reviewed by XpertPatient Medical Advisory · Updated June 2026 · Sources: NCI · ACS · ASCO · NIH/PMC
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What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a signal your cancer leaves behind. Doctors find these signals in your blood or tumor tissue. The signals tell your doctor important things — like what type of cancer you have and how it is behaving.
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 your doctor and you have a more informed conversation about next steps.
Everyone’s cancer is different — even people with the same type of cancer can have very different results. That is why biomarker testing matters. It helps your care team understand your cancer specifically.
For Melanoma
Why do biomarkers matter in melanoma?
Melanoma biomarker testing — especially BRAF mutation status — is commonly done when melanoma is advanced. The results give your doctor important information that helps guide the conversation about your care. Ask your doctor whether biomarker testing has been done and what your results mean.
💬 A good question to ask your doctor: Ask your doctor what your BRAF mutation status is and what it means for your situation. This is one of the key pieces of information used in melanoma care conversations.
The most important melanoma biomarkers are BRAF mutation status and PD-L1 expression. Together they help your doctor understand your tumor’s specific biology and which treatment approaches may be most appropriate for your situation.
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Have you had biomarker testing for your melanoma?
The Tests Your Doctor May Order
🔍 Is there a specific mutation in your tumor?
BRAF V600E is a mutation found in roughly half of melanomas. Knowing whether your tumor has this mutation is important information for your care team. Ask your doctor what your BRAF result means and what options are commonly discussed for your situation.
🔍 Is there a related mutation in your tumor?
NRAS mutations are found in some melanomas. This result gives your doctor additional information about your cancer. Ask your doctor what your NRAS result means and how it fits into the overall picture.
🔍 How does your tumor interact with your immune system?
PD-L1 is a protein that affects how your immune system responds to cancer. Testing PD-L1 levels is commonly done in melanoma. Ask your doctor what your PD-L1 result means and how it factors into conversations about your care.
Sources: Melanoma Research Foundation · NCI · ACS
Watch & Learn
Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Every patient’s situation is different. Please talk to your doctor or care team about what your biomarker results mean for you specifically.
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 patients with BRAF-positive melanoma.
What if I do not have a BRAF mutation?
If your tumor does not have a BRAF mutation, your doctor will still have important information to work with. Ask your doctor what your results mean for your specific situation and what approaches are commonly used.
What is immunotherapy for melanoma?
Immunotherapy is a type of care that works with your immune system. It is commonly discussed for melanoma. Ask your doctor whether immunotherapy is worth discussing for your situation.
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 for help finding one.
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From the Melanoma Cancer Center on XpertPatient
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