Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma
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Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma

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Long-Term Outcomes in BRAF-Mutated Melanoma Treated with Combined Targeted Therapy or Immune Checkpoint Blockade: Are

Patrick Schummer1, Bastian Schilling2, Anja Gesierich1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
|March 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Advanced melanoma with BRAF mutations has improved survival with targeted therapy or immunotherapy. However, long-term cure remains uncertain, and resistance mechanisms are a challenge.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Approximately 50% of melanomas feature an activating BRAF mutation.
  • Advanced melanoma with BRAF mutations presents significant treatment challenges.
  • Resistance mechanisms and negative predictive biomarkers impact patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent outcomes of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy for advanced BRAF-mutated melanoma.
  • To discuss the influence of baseline characteristics on long-term survival.
  • To evaluate the potential for a cure in metastatic melanoma.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent clinical trial data and literature.
  • Analysis of overall survival rates for different treatment modalities.
  • Examination of prognostic factors affecting treatment response.

Main Results:

  • Combined BRAF and MEK inhibitor therapy achieved a 5-year overall survival rate of 34% in treatment-naïve patients.
  • First-line ipilimumab plus nivolumab demonstrated a 5-year overall survival rate of 60% in BRAF-mutated melanoma.
  • Long-term survival is achievable, but definitive cure for metastatic melanoma is still under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Both targeted therapy and immunotherapy offer improved survival for advanced BRAF-mutated melanoma.
  • Baseline characteristics significantly influence long-term outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to establish definitive cure and overcome resistance mechanisms.

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