Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Melanoma update: is a cure now in sight?
Samrin Liaqat1, Muhammad Adnan Khattak1
1Department of Medical Oncology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Abstract:
Melanoma, one of the most aggressive skin cancers, poses a significant global health concern due to its high metastatic potential and resistance to conventional treatments. This review explores recent advancements in melanoma treatment, particularly the impact of targeted therapies and immunotherapies which have significantly extended survival and improved the quality of life for advanced melanoma patients. Additionally, the innovative combination and sequential strategies, with immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines or targeted therapies against BRAF mutations, mark a promising direction. Recent advances in tumour infiltrating lymphocytes and oncolytic virus therapy and personalised cancer vaccine development are also covered, highlighting the role of precision medicine in achieving tailored, effective treatments. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including drug resistance and the need for reliable biomarkers to predict treatment response and select patients. This review underscores the ongoing efforts in research and clinical trials to refine therapeutic strategies, improve treatment outcomes for a larger population detection and, ultimately, advance towards a cure for melanoma.
Insights
Recent melanoma treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, improve survival for advanced skin cancer patients. Ongoing research focuses on combination strategies and precision medicine to overcome drug resistance and find a cure.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with high metastatic potential.
- Conventional treatments often face challenges with drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in melanoma treatment strategies.
- To highlight the impact of targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
- To discuss challenges and future directions in melanoma research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on melanoma treatment.
- Analysis of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination strategies.
- Exploration of precision medicine approaches, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, oncolytic viruses, and personalized vaccines.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapies have significantly improved survival for advanced melanoma patients.
- Combination and sequential treatment strategies show promising results.
- Precision medicine offers tailored treatment options.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in melanoma treatment, extending patient survival.
- Challenges remain, including drug resistance and the need for predictive biomarkers.
- Continued research and clinical trials are crucial for refining therapies and advancing towards a cure.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...

