Targeted Tumor Therapy Remixed-An Update on the Use of Small-Molecule Drugs in Combination Therapies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Immunology

Background:

• Cancer treatment has been transformed by targeted therapies (kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies) and immunotherapies.
• Metastatic melanoma treatment currently relies on BRAF/MEK inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors, guided by mutational status.
• Significant challenges remain, including tumor heterogeneity, therapy resistance, immune evasion, and cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of novel alternative and combinational therapy strategies for melanoma.
• To highlight emerging strategies from basic research, focusing on molecular principles and drug classes.
• To discuss current clinical trials and individualized treatment approaches in melanoma therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on targeted therapies and immunotherapies for melanoma.
• Analysis of molecular principles underlying various therapeutic strategies.
• Identification and discussion of ongoing clinical trials exploring novel combinations.

Main Results:

• Identified promising drug classes and molecular targets for combination regimens.
• Detailed various therapeutic approaches including kinase inhibition, apoptosis induction, DNA-damage response inhibition, epigenetic reprogramming, and others.
• Highlighted the importance of individualized treatment strategies based on patient and tumor parameters.

Conclusions:

• Individualized combination therapies hold significant promise for overcoming current limitations in melanoma treatment.
• Further research and clinical trials are essential to optimize novel therapeutic strategies.
• Integrating diverse therapeutic modalities offers a path towards improved patient survival and outcomes in metastatic melanoma.