[Molecular pathology of skin melanoma]

József Tímár1, Andrea Ladányi2

  • 1Klinikai Központ, Semmelweis Egyetem, Patológiai, Igazságügyi és Biztosítási Orvostani Intézet, Budapest, Hungary. jtimar@gmail.com.

Magyar Onkologia
|June 20, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Melanoma diagnosis and treatment have advanced, but new therapies can cause resistance. Continuous molecular monitoring is crucial for effective melanoma management.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Skin melanoma is a frequent malignancy linked to UV exposure.
  • Increased early diagnostics and novel therapies have improved survival rates.
  • Understanding melanoma immunobiology and mutation patterns is key.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of molecular markers in melanoma diagnosis and prognosis.
  • To discuss the role of immunotherapy and targeted therapy (BRAF mutant form).
  • To emphasize the need for continuous monitoring due to therapy-induced resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current knowledge on melanoma diagnostics and therapies.
  • Analysis of molecular markers for tumor differentiation and prognosis.
  • Investigation of resistance mechanisms in novel melanoma treatments.

Main Results:

  • Molecular markers differentiate precancerous from malignant lesions and define prognosis.
  • Immunotherapy is broadly applicable, while targeted therapy requires BRAF mutations.
  • Novel therapies can lead to acquired genetic alterations and resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Initial molecular profiling of primary tumors needs to evolve.
  • Continuous monitoring is essential to overcome acquired resistance mechanisms.
  • Personalized and adaptive treatment strategies are vital for melanoma patients.

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