Genetic mutations predispose to familial melanoma

Researchers have discovered that people with mutations in a POT1 (protection of telomeres 1) gene were extremely likely to develop a hereditary form of melanoma. About 1 in 20 patients with melanoma have a strong family history of the disease. In these patients, pinpointing the genetic mutations that drive disease development allows to identify those who should be part of melanoma surveillance programmes. Read more here.