The role of KIT mutations in oral melanoma and disease progression: A literature review on early detection and targeted therapy.

Oral melanoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of melanoma that presents significant challenges in terms of delayed diagnosis and treatment. One promising clinical outcome is the detection of KIT gene mutations, which play a key role in tumor proliferation and resistance to therapy. The KIT gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase critical for cell survival and proliferation, and its mutations are associated with more aggressive tumor behavior. Detection of KIT mutations can be achieved through techniques such as tissue biopsy, next-generation sequencing (NGS), RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry, providing comprehensive genomic profiling and insights into potential therapeutic targets. Precision therapies, including small-molecule inhibitors like imatinib and sunitinib, as well as combination therapies involving immune checkpoint inhibitors, offer personalized treatment strategies. Despite the potential, the rarity of oral melanoma limits clinical trials, and understanding resistance mechanisms remains a significant challenge for effective treatments for oral melanoma patients. This article highlights the critical role of KIT mutations in oral melanoma, offering insights into how molecular diagnostics can pave the way for personalized treatment approaches by focusing on advanced detection techniques and targeted therapies.