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Published on: May 18, 2018
Metabolic Profiling to Assess Response to Targeted and Immune Therapy in Melanoma
Chantale Farah1, Lionel Mignion2, Bénédicte F Jordan1,2
1Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract:
There is currently no consensus to determine which advanced melanoma patients will benefit from targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of both, highlighting the critical need to identify early-response biomarkers to advanced melanoma therapy. The goal of this review is to provide scientific rationale to highlight the potential role of metabolic imaging to assess response to targeted and/or immune therapy in melanoma cancer. For that purpose, a brief overview of current melanoma treatments is provided. Then, current knowledge with respect to melanoma metabolism is described with an emphasis on major crosstalks between melanoma cell metabolism and signaling pathways involved in BRAF-targeted therapy as well as in immune checkpoint inhibition therapies. Finally, preclinical and clinical studies using metabolic imaging and/or profiling to assess response to melanoma treatment are summarized with a particular focus on PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging and 13C-MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) methods.
Insights
Metabolic imaging shows promise for predicting patient response to advanced melanoma treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This approach could identify early biomarkers for personalized melanoma cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Cancer Metabolism
Background:
- Advanced melanoma treatment selection lacks consensus, necessitating early response biomarkers.
- Melanoma cell metabolism is intricately linked with signaling pathways targeted by BRAF inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Current therapeutic strategies include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific rationale for using metabolic imaging to assess treatment response in advanced melanoma.
- To highlight the potential of metabolic imaging as an early biomarker for melanoma therapy response.
- To bridge the gap between understanding melanoma metabolism and clinical treatment assessment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current melanoma treatments and their metabolic underpinnings.
- Description of melanoma cell metabolism and its crosstalk with key signaling pathways (BRAF, immune checkpoints).
- Summary of preclinical and clinical studies employing metabolic imaging (PET, 13C-MRS) and profiling for treatment response assessment.
Main Results:
- Metabolic imaging techniques, particularly Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and 13C-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), are being investigated for their ability to monitor treatment response.
- Studies suggest that metabolic changes can be detected early, potentially preceding structural changes seen in conventional imaging.
- The crosstalk between melanoma metabolism and targeted/immune therapies provides a basis for metabolic imaging applications.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic imaging holds significant potential as a non-invasive tool to assess early response to advanced melanoma therapies.
- Identifying reliable metabolic imaging biomarkers could guide treatment decisions and personalize patient care in melanoma.
- Further research and validation of PET and 13C-MRS are crucial for their clinical integration in advanced melanoma management.
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