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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
[What's new in skin cancers?]
1Service d'oncologie médicale, hôpital François-Mitterrand, 4, boulevard Hauterive, 64000 Pau, France; Service de dermatologie, hôpital Saint-André, 1, rue Jean-Burguet, 33075 Bordeaux, France.
Abstract:
The present "what's new in oncology in 2014?" is in keeping with data reported in the past years. Indeed, metastatic melanoma still keeps the lion's share. The results of the combinations schedules with BRAF and MEK inhibitors showed an improvement in progression-free survival. Otherwise, resistance mechanisms to MAPKinase pathway inhibitors are of interest worldwide. Nevertheless, more fundamental and transversal researches are currently being investigated than validated schedules in daily clinical practice. Following anti-CTLA-4 drugs, second-generation immunotherapies, including anti-PD1 and PD-L1 molecules, confirmed their results in extended cohorts. In the setting of localized melanoma, the final results from MLST-1, Morton's study, regarding the sentinel node procedure versus observation alone, prompted a new enhancement in the sentinel node controversy. From another point of view, "what is not new in oncology in 2014?" In this area, the absence of original investigations on the primary melanoma detection in France and the absence of innovations in the adjuvant treatment of melanoma after surgery should be mentioned. While recent revolutionary drugs, i.e. targeted therapies and immunotherapies, will know advances under the resistance pressure in a near future, a revolution is still awaited in melanoma earlier stages.
Insights
Metastatic melanoma treatments in 2014 saw progress with BRAF/MEK inhibitors and immunotherapies like anti-PD1. However, challenges remain in understanding resistance and advancing early-stage melanoma care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Medical Research
Context:
- Metastatic melanoma remains a significant challenge in oncology.
- Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies are rapidly evolving.
- Clinical practice lags behind fundamental research in melanoma treatment.
Purpose:
- To review significant advancements in melanoma oncology in 2014.
- To highlight progress in metastatic and localized melanoma treatment.
- To identify areas lacking innovation in melanoma detection and adjuvant therapy.
Summary:
- Combination therapies with BRAF and MEK inhibitors improved progression-free survival in metastatic melanoma.
- Second-generation immunotherapies (anti-PD1, PD-L1) demonstrated efficacy in larger patient groups.
- The sentinel lymph node procedure's role in localized melanoma remains under discussion, with no major innovations in adjuvant treatment post-surgery.
Impact:
- Understanding resistance mechanisms to MAPKinase pathway inhibitors is crucial.
- Further research is needed for early-stage melanoma detection and treatment.
- Future developments in targeted therapies and immunotherapies will likely address resistance, but a revolution in early-stage melanoma is anticipated.
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