Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma
09:52

Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma

Published on: January 25, 2015

Oblimersen in the treatment of metastatic melanoma

Ahmad A Tarhini1, John M Kirkwood

  • 1Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPCI UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. tarhiniaa@upmc.edu

Future Oncology (London, England)
|June 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Oblimersen, an antisense compound targeting Bcl-2, significantly improved melanoma treatment outcomes when combined with dacarbazine chemotherapy. This combination therapy enhanced apoptosis and clinical benefits, including overall survival in select patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Bcl-2 protein prevents apoptosis and is implicated in melanoma chemotherapy resistance.
  • Oblimersen is a Bcl-2 antisense compound designed to reduce Bcl-2 protein levels.
  • Preclinical studies indicated oblimersen's potential to enhance chemotherapy efficacy in melanoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the scientific data supporting oblimersen's use in melanoma treatment.
  • To summarize the biochemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of oblimersen.
  • To evaluate the clinical outcomes of oblimersen in combination with dacarbazine.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies in melanoma cell lines and xenograft models.
  • Analysis of Phase I/II clinical trial data combining oblimersen with dacarbazine.
  • Evaluation of Phase III clinical trial results comparing oblimersen plus dacarbazine versus dacarbazine alone.

Main Results:

  • Oblimersen demonstrated Bcl-2 protein downregulation, apoptosis induction, and enhanced tumor response in preclinical models.
  • Phase I/II studies suggested improved therapeutic outcomes with oblimersen and dacarbazine.
  • Phase III trial showed significant improvements in progression-free survival, response rates, and overall survival (in patients with normal LDH) with the combination therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Oblimersen, by targeting Bcl-2, offers a promising strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance in melanoma.
  • Combination therapy with oblimersen and dacarbazine demonstrates significant clinical benefits in melanoma patients.
  • Further review of oblimersen's comprehensive data supports its role in melanoma treatment strategies.

More Related Videos

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver09:02

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver

Published on: July 31, 2016

A Video Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial - Electrochemotherapy of Cutaneous Metastases with Reduced Dose Bleomycin (BLESS Trial)04:11

A Video Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial - Electrochemotherapy of Cutaneous Metastases with Reduced Dose Bleomycin (BLESS Trial)

Published on: June 9, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
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...
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...