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Updated: May 1, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Melanoma never says die
Nikolas K Haass1, Udo Schumacher
1The University of Queensland, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; The Centenary Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Dermatology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
Abstract:
Drug resistance in melanoma is commonly attributed to ineffective apoptotic pathways. Targeting apoptosis regulators is thus considered a promising approach to sensitizing melanoma to therapy. In the previous issue of Experimental Dermatology, Plötz and Eberle discuss the role that apoptosis plays in melanoma progression and drug resistance and the utility of apoptosis-inducing BH3-mimetics as targeted therapy. There are a number of compounds in clinical development and the field seems close to translating recent findings into benefits for patients with melanoma. Thus, this viewpoint is timely and achieves a valuable summary of the current state of apoptosis-inducing therapy of melanoma.
Insights
Targeting apoptosis regulators offers a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance in melanoma. Apoptosis-inducing BH3-mimetics are being developed as targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Drug resistance in melanoma often stems from faulty apoptosis (programmed cell death) pathways.
- Understanding apoptosis regulators is crucial for developing effective melanoma treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of apoptosis in melanoma progression and drug resistance.
- To evaluate the potential of apoptosis-inducing BH3-mimetics as targeted melanoma therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current research on apoptosis in melanoma.
- Analysis of the clinical development status of BH3-mimetic compounds.
Main Results:
- Ineffective apoptosis pathways are a key factor in melanoma drug resistance.
- BH3-mimetics show promise as targeted therapies by inducing apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Targeting apoptosis regulators is a viable strategy for sensitizing melanoma to therapy.
- The field is nearing clinical translation of apoptosis-inducing therapies for melanoma patients.
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