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Updated: May 29, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Therapeutic options in cutaneous melanoma: latest developments
Rodabe N Amaria1, Karl D Lewis, Rene Gonzalez
1Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Colorado at Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Abstract:
Melanoma is a malignancy that is highly curable in the early stages but has devastating consequences in later stages due to lack of response to traditional treatments. Improved understanding of the basic science of tumorigenesis has helped lead to novel targeted therapies which are producing beneficial results in patients with melanoma. Enhancement of the immune system by blockade of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen-4 by the monoclonal antibody ipilimumab is now approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in patients with unresectable melanoma. The approval of this drug was based on the first ever data in melanoma showing an improvement in overall survival. New advances in targeting components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway are showing impressive responses in clinical trials in most patients harboring activating mutations in BRAF. Thus, this is a new era in the management of melanoma and we review the recent progress made in treating patients with advanced disease.
Insights
New melanoma treatments, including ipilimumab and BRAF pathway inhibitors, offer hope for advanced disease. These therapies enhance the immune system or target specific mutations, improving patient survival and marking a new era in melanoma management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Melanoma is often fatal in advanced stages due to resistance to traditional therapies.
- Recent advances in understanding melanoma tumorigenesis have paved the way for novel treatments.
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapies are showing significant promise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in treating advanced melanoma.
- To highlight novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
- To discuss the impact of new treatments on patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials and scientific literature.
- Focus on immunotherapies like ipilimumab (monoclonal antibody).
- Examination of targeted therapies for BRAF mutations (mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway).
Main Results:
- Ipilimumab (monoclonal antibody) is FDA-approved for unresectable melanoma, demonstrating improved overall survival.
- Targeting the BRAF pathway shows impressive responses in patients with specific mutations.
- These advancements represent a paradigm shift in melanoma treatment.
Conclusions:
- A new era in advanced melanoma management has begun.
- Novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies are significantly improving outcomes.
- Continued research into melanoma tumorigenesis will drive further therapeutic innovation.
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