Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
08:49

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

Targeted therapy for melanoma: a primer

Michael A Davies1, Jeffrey E Gershenwald

  • 1Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7455 Fannin, 1SCRB2.3019, Unit 0904, Houston, TX 77054, USA. mdavies@mdanderson.org

Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America
|November 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer, shows increasing incidence and mortality. This review details genetic mutations and targeted therapies, offering insights into personalized treatment approaches for melanoma subtypes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer with rising prevalence and mortality.
  • Recent advances in understanding melanoma genetics offer opportunities for personalized therapies.
  • Identifying specific genetic alterations in melanoma subtypes is crucial for treatment development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review known mutations, amplifications, and deletions in kinase signaling pathways in melanoma.
  • To examine the prevalence of these genetic events across different melanoma subtypes.
  • To discuss the outcomes of clinical trials using targeted therapies for melanoma.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of genetic mutations in melanoma.
  • Analysis of genetic alterations in clinicopathologically defined melanoma subtypes.
  • Review of clinical trial data for targeted melanoma therapies.

Main Results:

  • Specific kinase signaling pathway mutations are prevalent in melanoma.
  • Genetic alterations vary significantly among melanoma subtypes.
  • Targeted therapies show promise but face challenges in clinical application.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding melanoma genetics is key to developing personalized treatments.
  • Targeted therapies offer a promising avenue for improving melanoma outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to overcome challenges and enhance the efficacy of melanoma treatments.

More Related Videos

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis07:41

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis

Published on: March 8, 2022

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

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.
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...
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...