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Updated: May 28, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Towards new therapeutic approaches for malignant melanoma
Ivan Pacheco1, Cristina Buzea, Victor Tron
1Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Abstract:
Recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the initiation and progression of melanoma has created new opportunities for developing novel therapeutic modalities to manage this potentially lethal disease. Although at first glance, melanoma carcinogenesis appears to be a chaotic system, it is indeed, arguably, a deterministic multistep process involving sequential alterations of proto-oncogenes, tumour suppressors and miRNA genes. The scope of this article is to discuss the most recent and significant advances in melanoma molecular therapeutics. It is apparent that using single agents targeting solely individual melanoma pathways might be insufficient for long-term survival. However, the outstanding results on melanoma survival observed with novel selective inhibitors of B-RAF, such as PLX4032 give hope that melanoma can be cured. The fact that melanoma develops acquired resistance to PLX4032 emphasises the importance of simultaneously targeting several pathways. Because the most striking feature of melanoma is its unsurpassed ability to metastasise, it is important to implement newer systems for drug delivery adapted from research on stem cells and nanotechnology.
Insights
Advances in understanding melanoma molecular mechanisms offer new therapeutic options. Targeting multiple pathways and improving drug delivery are crucial for managing this lethal skin cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Melanoma development involves sequential genetic alterations in proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and miRNA genes.
- Understanding melanoma carcinogenesis is key to developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in molecular therapeutics for melanoma.
- To highlight the importance of targeting multiple pathways and novel drug delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on melanoma molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
- Analysis of novel targeted therapies, including B-RAF inhibitors.
- Discussion of drug delivery systems based on stem cell research and nanotechnology.
Main Results:
- Single-agent therapies targeting individual melanoma pathways may be insufficient.
- Novel selective B-RAF inhibitors like PLX4032 show promising results for melanoma survival.
- Acquired resistance to targeted therapies underscores the need for combination approaches.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous targeting of multiple molecular pathways is essential for effective melanoma treatment.
- Advanced drug delivery systems are needed to combat melanoma metastasis.
- Targeted therapies offer hope for managing and potentially curing melanoma.
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