Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
08:49

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

The future of targeted therapy approaches in melanoma

Liliana P Cantini1, Friedegund Meier, Vernon K Sondak

  • 1The Molecular Oncology Program and Comprehensive Melanoma Research Center, The Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.

Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery
|March 15, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeting BRAF/MEK in melanoma has shown promise but faces challenges. Future therapies may involve targeting additional pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR and understanding melanoma heterogeneity.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Stage IV melanoma survival rates have seen minimal improvement over the last 30 years.
  • Activating BRAF mutations are common in melanoma, validating the BRAF/MAPK pathway as a therapeutic target.
  • Early clinical trials targeting BRAF/MAPK inhibition in melanoma have yielded disappointing results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss discrepancies between preclinical and clinical settings influencing melanoma cell response to BRAF/MEK inhibition.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of inhibiting PI3K/AKT and mTOR pathways.
  • To evaluate combination therapies involving BRAF/MEK inhibitors with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical data on BRAF/MAPK pathway inhibition in melanoma.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways involved in melanoma cell growth and survival.
  • Discussion of potential combination strategies for melanoma treatment.

Main Results:

  • Differences between preclinical models and clinical settings may impact BRAF/MEK inhibitor efficacy.
  • The BRAF/MEK signaling pathway alone is insufficient for controlling melanoma growth and survival.
  • Inhibition of PI3K/AKT and mTOR pathways offers potential therapeutic utility.

Conclusions:

  • Future melanoma targeted therapies may benefit from insights into melanoma stem cells.
  • Understanding intratumoral heterogeneity is crucial for designing effective future melanoma treatments.
  • Combination therapies targeting multiple pathways are likely essential for improving patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model07:07

A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model

Published on: May 20, 2019

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts10:27

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

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...
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...
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.
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...