Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
New therapies in the treatment of melanoma
Diwakar Davar1, John Munn Kirkwood
1University of Pittsburgh, Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh 15213, PA, USA.
Introduction:
Therapies targeting immune checkpoints (CTLA-4) and the MAP kinase signaling pathway (RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK) have transformed the treatment of advanced melanoma in the past year. Agents aimed at other therapeutic targets of interest are being actively evaluated in the clinic.
Areas Covered:
Areas of active therapeutic interest in melanoma include immunotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy and chemotherapy; combinations of these modalities are now under systematic exploration.
Expert Opinion:
The evaluation of patients with melanoma now includes the molecular profiling of tumor mutations in the BRAF, as well as c-Kit, NRAS and other genes that have been discovered to be drivers of different subsets of the disease. The analysis of the host immunological response to melanoma is equally important, as a basis for the development of immunotherapies that have been of value to melanoma patients in the adjuvant arena, as well as for therapy of metastatic disease. The understanding of these two facets of the disease will provide a more rational basis for the delivery of individualized therapy for the disease both in its advanced setting, and in the adjuvant arena, in the future.
Insights
Advanced melanoma treatment is rapidly evolving with targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Understanding tumor mutations and immune response is key for personalized melanoma treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Recent advances in advanced melanoma treatment include targeting immune checkpoints (CTLA-4) and the MAP kinase pathway (RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK).
- Ongoing clinical evaluations are exploring novel therapeutic targets for melanoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current and emerging therapeutic strategies for melanoma.
- To highlight the importance of molecular profiling and immune response analysis in melanoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of active therapeutic areas in melanoma, including immunotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Exploration of combination therapies and systematic evaluation of novel agents.
Main Results:
- Therapies targeting CTLA-4 and the MAP kinase pathway have significantly impacted advanced melanoma treatment.
- Combination strategies of different therapeutic modalities are under active investigation.
Conclusions:
- Patient evaluation now involves molecular profiling for driver mutations (BRAF, c-Kit, NRAS) and assessment of the host immune response.
- Understanding both tumor genetics and immune status is crucial for developing individualized melanoma therapies in advanced and adjuvant settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...