Immunotherapy for patients with melanoma in East Asia: current evidence, future directions, and clinical implications

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Melanoma is a significant cause of skin cancer deaths, with distinct subtypes prevalent in East Asian populations, including acral and mucosal melanomas.
• These melanomas exhibit unique clinicopathological features and genetic profiles, often lacking common mutations like BRAF V600, and are typically diagnosed at advanced stages.
• East Asian melanomas are associated with a poorer prognosis compared to those in Caucasian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of melanoma in East Asian patients.
• To summarize the current immunotherapy landscape, including approvals and unmet needs, for melanoma treatment in East Asia.
• To guide clinicians in making informed treatment decisions for East Asian melanoma patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological data.
• Analysis of clinical characteristics and mutational landscapes.
• Summary of current immunotherapy approvals and treatment guidelines.

Main Results:

• East Asian populations show a higher prevalence of acral and mucosal melanomas.
• These melanomas often present with different genetic mutations and are diagnosed at later stages.
• Immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint blockade, is an emerging first-line treatment option in some East Asian countries.

Conclusions:

• Immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in treating melanoma in East Asian patients.
• Further research is essential to explore novel immunotherapeutic combinations and identify response biomarkers.
• Optimizing immunotherapy strategies is key to improving outcomes for East Asian patients with acral and mucosal melanomas.