[The genetic markers and targets of target therapy of melanoma.]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Context:

• Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with high recurrence and metastasis rates.
• Recent molecular studies have significantly advanced understanding of melanocyte carcinogenesis.
• Hereditary and somatic genetic alterations drive melanoma development.

Purpose:

• To review the genetic factors and molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma development.
• To explore the role of signaling pathways and genetic mutations in melanoma.
• To discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting these molecular pathways.

Summary:

• Hereditary factors include CDKN2A, CDK4, MITF, and BAP1 gene mutations.
• Somatic mutations in RAS-MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways (e.g., BRAF, NRAS, PTEN) are key oncogenic drivers.
• Activation of tyrosine-kinase receptors (KIT, ERBB4) and roles of cAMP and NF-κB in melanomagenesis are examined.

Impact:

• Identification of activating mutations enables targeted therapies with significant therapeutic effects.
• Combined treatment strategies integrating targeted therapy and immunotherapy are highly promising for melanoma management.