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Author Spotlight: Recreating Melanoma Complexity with Patient-Derived Organoids for Immunotherapy Evaluation
Published on: September 6, 2024
The Emerging Therapeutic Landscape of Advanced Melanoma
Vanessa Henriques1, Teresa Martins1,2,3, Wolfgang Link1,2,3
1Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 8, room 1.12, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
Abstract:
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer being responsible for 80% of skin cancer deaths. Furthermore, the incidence of metastatic melanoma has increased over the past three decades with a mortality rate that continues to rise faster than most of all other cancers. The last few years have witnessed an unparalleled change in treatment options for patients with metastatic melanoma by the development of new therapeutic strategies like targeted therapies and immunotherapies that highly improved the patient's prognosis. Despite the paradigm- shifting success of these novel treatments, their effectiveness is still limited by intrinsic or acquired resistance. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the new available treatment modalities, criteria to select patients who might benefit from a specific therapy, mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance to these treatments and to discuss strategies to overcome drug resistance.
Insights
Metastatic melanoma treatment has advanced with targeted therapies and immunotherapies. This review covers new treatments, patient selection, and overcoming drug resistance in melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, causing 80% of skin cancer deaths.
- Metastatic melanoma incidence and mortality rates are rising.
- Recent advances include targeted therapies and immunotherapies, improving prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel treatment modalities for metastatic melanoma.
- To outline patient selection criteria for specific therapies.
- To discuss mechanisms of drug resistance and strategies to overcome it.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in melanoma treatment.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying treatment resistance.
- Synthesis of strategies to combat acquired and intrinsic resistance.
Main Results:
- Novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies offer improved outcomes for metastatic melanoma patients.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for treatment efficacy.
- Strategies to overcome resistance are essential for long-term patient benefit.
Conclusions:
- Despite significant progress, drug resistance remains a major challenge in metastatic melanoma treatment.
- Personalized patient selection and combination therapies may improve outcomes.
- Further research into overcoming resistance is critical for advancing melanoma care.
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Overview of Advanced Functional Groups
Functional groups are groups of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and are sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of Advanced Functional Groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry.
Extraction: Advanced Methods
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