Circulating epigenetic biomarkers in melanoma.

Recent researches have shed new light on the importance of epigenetic alterations, including promoter hypermethylation and microRNA dysregulation, in the initiation and progression of melanoma. The clinical utilization of circulating epigenetic markers in melanoma has also been investigated. In this review, we explored the literature and summarized the latest progress in the discovery of circulating epigenetic markers, namely methylated DNA and microRNAs, for non-invasive diagnosis of melanoma, as well as their measurability and predictability. We also discussed the utility of these epigenetic markers as novel prognostic and predictive markers and their association with melanoma clinical phenotypes, including recurrence and patients' survival. Large-cohort validations are warranted to maximize the clinical utilization of these markers.