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Updated: Sep 7, 2025

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
[Molecular pathology of skin melanoma]
József Tímár1, Andrea Ladányi2
1Klinikai Központ, Semmelweis Egyetem, Patológiai, Igazságügyi és Biztosítási Orvostani Intézet, Budapest, Hungary. jtimar@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Skin melanoma became one of the most frequent malignancies of the skin mainly due to the increased exposure to environmental UV irradiation. However, this did not lead to the increase of mortality, mainly due to the efficient early diagnostics as well as to the development of new therapies which were based on the identification of the mutation patterns and understanding of the immunobiology. Molecular markers are important to differentiate malignant tumors from precancerous ones but also routinely available to define prognosis. Immunotherapy can be used in any molecular class of melanoma, while target therapy is only available in case of BRAF mutant form. Meanwhile these novel therapies induce new resistance mechanisms based on the development of acquired genetic alterations. Due to these facts the initial molecular profiling of the resected primary tumors must gradually be replaced by continuous monitoring.
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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