Confronting Melanoma Radioresistance: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Radiation Oncology

Background:

• Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with variable survival rates.
• Metastatic melanoma presents poor prognosis and limited treatment options.
• Melanoma exhibits intrinsic radioresistance, reducing radiotherapy (RT) effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review biological mechanisms underlying melanoma radioresistance.
• To examine novel therapeutic strategies for overcoming melanoma radioresistance.
• To discuss challenges and future directions in melanoma treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of biological mechanisms of radioresistance.
• Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies on novel therapeutic approaches.
• Examination of strategies combining RT with other therapies.

Main Results:

• Key radioresistance mechanisms include cancer stem cells (CSCs), DNA repair, hypoxia, altered metabolism, and melanin.
• Novel approaches target CSC pathways, DNA repair, and metabolic shifts.
• Combinations of RT with immunotherapy and targeted therapy show promise.

Conclusions:

• Integrated strategies targeting multifaceted radioresistance mechanisms are crucial for improving outcomes.
• Addressing melanoma heterogeneity and validating novel interventions require further clinical research.
• Personalized approaches are needed to enhance the efficacy of melanoma treatments.