Michael J Murphy – författare

Molecular Diagnostics in Dermatology and Dermatopathology presents the basics of molecular biology and molecular diagnostic methods most commonly used in the clinical laboratory, with an emphasis on the concepts and testing most relevant to dermatological diseases. Topics include the integration of newer diagnostic and prognostic techniques with ‘traditional’ histologic approaches, and discussions of regulatory, ethical, legal, economic issues and ‘newer’ technologies. This important diagnostic tool outlines the clinically relevant uses (i.e.; diagnostic, staging and/or prognostic) applications of these techniques in the field of dermatology. Molecular studies that investigate the pathogenesis of skin diseases will be excluded, unless they also have a direct diagnostic utility. The book will be of interest to practicing pathologists, dermatology and pathology residents, dermatologists, and dermatopathologists.

This book describes both the technologies used in the discovery of melanoma biomarkers and the clinical application of these biomarkers for diagnosis and staging of disease, determination of prognosis, treatment planning, monitoring of response to therapy, identification of novel therapeutic targets and drug development. A broad range of biomarkers (DNA/chromosomal, mRNA, microRNA, mitochondrial DNA, epigenetic and protein) is outlined. As therapies for melanoma become increasingly more target specific, the identification, validation and use of biomarkers will invariably play a greater role in the management of patients with this disease. Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Melanoma is an essential resource for oncologists, dermatologists, dermatopathologists, general pathologists with an interest in melanoma, and melanoma researchers.