Myriad Genetics Announces Success of Melanoma Test

Myriad Genetics said Wednesday that its myPath melanoma test performed with greater than 90 percent accuracy in a pivotal study.

myPath analyzes genetic information inside skin cells to help understand the biology of a  skin lesion and differentiate benign moles and potentially lethal melanoma, according to Loren Clarke, medical director for dermatology at Myriad.

While conventional methods of distinguishing between benign and cancerous moles are usually effective, about 15 percent of cases are difficult or impossible to diagnose, Clarke said. This can lead to untreated melanoma, unnecessary treatment or psychological distress.

The 90 percent diagnostic accuracy was demonstrated in verification and validation studies of 464 and 437 patient samples, respectively, making myPath the most accurate molecular diagnostic for melanoma to date, Myriad said. — Kellen Owings