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Updated: Oct 7, 2025
Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
Recent advances in radiosensitivity determinants in melanoma
Mohammad Krayem1,2, Ghanem E Ghanem1, Dirk Van Gestel2
1Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology (LOCE), Institut Jules Bordet.
Purpose Of Review:
Radiotherapy has been proven to be useful but insufficient in melanoma management due to the intrinsic radioresistance of melanoma cells. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms and pathways related to resistance/sensitivity to radiotherapy in melanoma is of paramount importance. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the recent 'discoveries' and advances in radiosensitivity determinants in melanoma.
Recent Findings:
The different levels of radiosensitivity among the various melanoma tumors could be attributed to the DNA damage signaling and repair proteins, tumor microenvironment, hypoxia, cell metabolism, glutathione and redox balance, protein kinase signaling pathways as well as pigmentation and melanin content.
Summary:
It is therapeutically important to elucidate the factors involved in radiation resistance/sensitivity of melanoma. More importantly, improving radiosensitivity may 'widen the clinical utility' in melanoma of this important therapeutic modality.
Insights
Understanding melanoma radioresistance is key to improving radiotherapy. Factors like DNA repair, tumor microenvironment, and metabolism influence sensitivity, offering targets to enhance treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Melanoma management often involves radiotherapy, but intrinsic radioresistance limits its efficacy.
- Identifying molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma's response to radiation is crucial for therapeutic advancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss recent discoveries concerning radiosensitivity determinants in melanoma.
- To elucidate factors contributing to radiation resistance and sensitivity in melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific discoveries and advances.
- Synthesis of information on molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in melanoma radiosensitivity.
Main Results:
- Melanoma radiosensitivity is influenced by DNA damage signaling and repair proteins.
- Tumor microenvironment, hypoxia, cell metabolism, redox balance, and pigmentation also play significant roles.
- Protein kinase signaling pathways are implicated in modulating radiation response.
Conclusions:
- Elucidating factors governing melanoma radiation sensitivity is therapeutically vital.
- Enhancing radiosensitivity can broaden the clinical application of radiotherapy for melanoma treatment.
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