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Updated: May 17, 2026

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
Emerging molecular targets in melanoma invasion and metastasis
Jose L Orgaz1, Victoria Sanz-Moreno
1Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
Metastatic cutaneous melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths due to its aggressiveness and high resistance to current therapies. To efficiently metastasize, invasive melanoma cells need to change their cytoskeletal organization and alter contacts with the extracellular matrix and the surrounding stromal cells. Melanoma cells can use different migratory strategies depending on varying environments to exit the primary tumour mass and invade surrounding and later distant tissues. In this review, we have focused on tumour cell plasticity or the interconvertibility that melanoma cells have as one of the factors that contribute to melanoma metastasis. This has been an area of very intense research in the last 5 yr yielding a vast number of findings. We have therefore reviewed all the possible clinical opportunities that this new knowledge offers to both stratify and treat cutaneous malignant melanoma patients.
Insights
Metastatic cutaneous melanoma is aggressive and treatment-resistant. This review explores tumor cell plasticity, a key factor in melanoma metastasis, and its clinical applications for patient stratification and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Metastatic cutaneous melanoma causes most skin cancer deaths.
- Melanoma's aggressiveness and therapy resistance necessitate understanding its spread.
- Metastasis involves cytoskeletal changes and altered cell-matrix interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of tumor cell plasticity in melanoma metastasis.
- To explore recent research findings in melanoma cell interconvertibility.
- To identify clinical opportunities for melanoma patient stratification and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research (last 5 years).
- Focus on tumor cell plasticity as a driver of metastasis.
- Analysis of findings related to melanoma cell migratory strategies.
Main Results:
- Melanoma cell plasticity enables adaptation to different environments for invasion.
- Tumor cell interconvertibility is a significant factor in melanoma metastasis.
- Extensive research has yielded numerous findings on melanoma cell behavior.
Conclusions:
- Understanding melanoma cell plasticity offers new clinical avenues.
- Potential for improved patient stratification based on migratory behavior.
- New therapeutic strategies may emerge from insights into tumor cell plasticity.
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