Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Melanoma immunology: past, present and future
Giorgio Parmiani1, Chiara Castelli, Mario Santinami
1Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Foundation, Milan, Italy. giorgio.parmiani@istitutotumori.mi.it
Current Opinion in Oncology
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Melanoma immunotherapy research over the last 30 years has yielded valuable data on tumor antigens and immune responses. Future strategies will focus on antigen-specific immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Metastatic melanoma lacks effective treatments, with limited success from high-dose interferon-alpha.
- Early immunotherapy efforts used cell-based vaccines and adoptive transfer of poorly defined lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review three decades of research in melanoma immunotherapy.
- To provide insights into future immunotherapy strategies for metastatic melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and preclinical studies in melanoma immunotherapy.
- Analysis of advancements in immunology and molecular characterization of melanoma antigens.
Main Results:
- Second-generation immunotherapy trials provided extensive data on melanoma antigen immunogenicity and immune response assessment.
- Understanding of antigen presentation mechanisms and factors hindering immune recognition of melanoma cells has improved.
Conclusions:
- Information gained will guide the design of novel clinical trials for antigen-specific immunotherapy.
- Future trials will focus on both active and adoptive immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor 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.
01:30Skin 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...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...