Research
Transcriptomic Profiling of Cutaneous Melanoma Metastases Treated With Microwave Ablation—Pilot Study
June 18, 2026
This pilot study assessed whether microwave energy applied directly to the skin could treat cutaneous melanoma metastases.
Seven adults whose metastases were not resolving on standard treatment received microwave therapy, and their lesions were evaluated morphologically, histologically and through RNA sequencing. Three patients showed a complete response and four a partial response. In complete responders, treatment increased inflammatory and tissue-repair genes (CXCL5, CXCL8, IL1A, COL1A1) and reduced melanoma markers (PRAME, S100B, MLANA, STK32A). Compared with partial responders, they also showed higher FABP4 expression. These findings support further clinical evaluation of microwave therapy for cutaneous melanoma metastases.