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Updated: Oct 1, 2025
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Melanoma therapeutics: a literature review
Pavan Kumar Dhanyamraju1, Trupti N Patel2
1Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Abstract:
Melanoma is a relentless type of skin cancer which involves myriad signaling pathways which regulate many cellular processes. This makes melanoma difficult to treat, especially when identified late. At present, therapeutics include chemotherapy, surgical resection, biochemotherapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic and targeted approaches. These interventions are usually administered as either a single-drug or in combination, based on tumor location, stage, and patients' overall health condition. However, treatment efficacy generally decreases as patients develop treatment resistance. Genetic profiling of melanocytes and the discovery of novel molecular factors involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma have helped to identify new therapeutic targets. In this literature review, we examine several newly approved therapies, and briefly describe several therapies being assessed for melanoma. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments and to consider future directions in the field of melanoma.
Insights
This review covers new melanoma treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies. It highlights challenges like treatment resistance and future research directions for this skin cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Melanoma, a severe skin cancer, is challenging to treat due to complex signaling pathways and late-stage diagnosis.
- Current treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy face limitations due to developing treatment resistance.
- Advances in genetic profiling have identified new molecular targets for melanoma therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of recently approved and emerging melanoma therapies.
- To examine novel therapeutic strategies and their potential impact on melanoma treatment.
- To discuss future directions and research opportunities in melanoma therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recently approved and investigational melanoma therapies.
- Analysis of molecular factors and signaling pathways involved in melanoma pathogenesis.
- Synthesis of current treatment approaches and their efficacy.
Main Results:
- Several new therapies, including targeted agents and immunotherapies, have been approved for melanoma treatment.
- Emerging therapies show promise in overcoming treatment resistance and improving patient outcomes.
- Understanding melanoma's molecular landscape is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Conclusions:
- Recent therapeutic advancements offer new hope for melanoma patients, particularly those with advanced disease.
- Continued research into novel molecular targets and combination therapies is essential.
- Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiling will likely shape future melanoma treatment strategies.
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