Neoadjuvant therapy for melanoma: past, present, and future

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Systemic therapies have significantly improved outcomes for advanced metastatic melanoma.
• Adjuvant immunotherapy and targeted therapy are approved for resected stage III melanoma.
• Neoadjuvant therapy is increasingly utilized in earlier stages of melanoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma.
• To discuss the current dilemmas and future directions for neoadjuvant therapy applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of randomized controlled trials establishing neoadjuvant therapy as standard of care.
• Analysis of current clinical practices and ongoing research in neoadjuvant melanoma treatment.

Main Results:

• Neoadjuvant therapy has become a standard of care for advanced melanoma patients based on promising trial results.
• Significant scientific interest exists in adapting these therapies for earlier disease stages.

Conclusions:

• While neoadjuvant therapy is established, optimal treatment selection, duration, timing, surgical extent, and the role of adjuvant therapy require further investigation.
• Addressing these dilemmas is crucial for broadening the application of neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma management.