Principal Investigator:
Elena Hawryluk, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital
Overview:
Spitz nevi are a type of skin growth that occur most commonly in children. This study seeks to better understand Spitz nevi in children by determining possible overlap with a different entity known as BAP1 inactivated melanocytic tumors (BIMTs). BIMTs have many microscopic features that overlap with Spitz nevi, but are not well studied in children. Providers encountering BIMTs in children are not in agreement for the most appropriate management for these patients given the lack of data on these tumors.
We propose to study these tumors by performing special stains (BAP1, BRAF) on previously collected tissue for 30 identified cases of combined Spitz and dermal nevi. By better understanding these skin growths, we will be able to better assess if this subset of Spitz nevi should be re-characterized as BIMTs, and help shed light on the understanding and management of these poorlycharacterized skin growths in the pediatric population.
Status:
This project was funded by a 2019 PeDRA Research Grant.
