Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 26, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
08:49

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

18.1K

Current status and future directions of molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies for melanoma

David M Miller, Keith T Flaherty, Hensin Tsao1

  • 1Wellman Center for Photomedicine and Department of Dermatology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA USA.

Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|August 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Recent advances in melanoma treatment have shifted from traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy to targeted therapies. These novel treatments focus on specific oncogenic pathways and immune checkpoints, offering new hope for advanced melanoma patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Melanoma treatment has evolved significantly over the last decade.
  • Historically, treatment options were limited to dacarbazine, interleukin-2, and interferon-α-2b.
  • Recent molecular and immunological discoveries have revolutionized melanoma therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of melanoma targeted therapies.
  • To discuss future directions in melanoma treatment strategies.
  • To highlight therapies targeting oncogenic pathways and immune checkpoints.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of current therapeutic options for advanced melanoma.
  • Discussion of targeted agents and immunotherapies.

Main Results:

  • The therapeutic options for advanced melanoma have expanded.
  • Targeted therapies now include agents acting on mitogen-activated pathways.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent a major advancement.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors are transforming melanoma treatment.
  • Future research will likely focus on refining these precise therapeutic strategies.
  • Personalized medicine approaches are becoming central to melanoma management.

More Related Videos

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine09:15

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine

Published on: February 24, 2023

3.8K
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis07:41

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis

Published on: March 8, 2022

2.3K

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...
7.0K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

1.4K
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.
2.5K
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...
1.3K
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...
4.9K
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
1.3K