Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
08:49

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

Targeted therapies in melanoma

Paola Queirolo1, Mirko Acquati

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology A, National Institute for Cancer Research, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa 16132, Italy. paola.queirolo@istge.it

Cancer Treatment Reviews
|September 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Melanoma incidence is rising, but early diagnosis improves survival. Metastatic melanoma remains challenging, with new targeted therapies showing promise beyond traditional treatments like dacarbazine.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Melanoma incidence has increased in the past decade.
  • Early diagnosis of thin melanoma lesions has improved survival rates.
  • Metastatic melanoma presents a significant challenge with poor prognosis and limited efficacy of traditional therapies like dacarbazine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel therapeutic agents and their clinical trial results in melanoma patients.
  • To analyze pre-clinical data and the rationale for using new drugs in melanoma treatment.
  • To examine combinations of novel agents with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trials involving targeted therapies for melanoma.
  • Analysis of pre-clinical data for novel agents.
  • Examination of combination therapies including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and vaccines.

Main Results:

  • Target-oriented drugs, including protein-kinase inhibitors, anti-CTLA-4 agents, pro-apoptotic oligonucleotides, and anti-angiogenic agents, have entered clinical trials.
  • Data from clinical trials with these novel agents were reviewed.
  • Combinations of novel agents with existing therapies were analyzed.

Conclusions:

  • Novel agents offer potential improvements over traditional melanoma treatments.
  • Targeted therapies and combination strategies are crucial for advancing metastatic melanoma treatment.
  • Continued research and clinical trials are essential to overcome the challenges in treating advanced melanoma.

More Related Videos

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells06:09

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Published on: June 7, 2019

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts10:27

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...