Recent Advances in Systemic Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Advanced and Metastatic Melanoma

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has been widely utilized across various cancer types, including melanoma. It has emerged as a first-line treatment option for metastatic melanoma. By targeting checkpoint proteins such as programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), ICI therapy activates the immune system, enhancing its ability to combat cancer cells, leading to long-term efficacy and potential cures in some patients. However, ICI therapy is not universally effective. Resistance and adverse reactions of ICI therapy occur in some patients. The identification of systematic biomarkers from blood tests may offer a rapid and efficient means to assess patient responsiveness to ICI therapy, as well as the risk of developing immune-related adverse events (irAEs), to facilitate individualized patient selection. This article provides a comprehensive literature review of systemic biomarkers used in melanoma patients receiving ICI therapy. The insights provide clinical professionals and researchers with valuable information for the investigation and management of melanoma patients, leading toward personalized medical decisions.