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Melanoma: Advances in Targeted Therapy and Molecular Markers

  • Melanomas
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Annals of Surgical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose and Design

In recent years, there have been dramatic improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with melanoma. The development of molecular markers and associated targeted therapies have given new hope to subsets of patients with advanced disease. Here we discuss the most important advances in molecular targeted therapy and how these developments are likely to affect the practice of the clinical surgeon.

Results and Conclusions

Germ-line and somatic mutations are common in melanoma and provide prognostic information that can now be harnessed to provide a more personalized approach to cancer treatment. BRAF mutation at the V600 position is the most commonly identified mutation in patients with melanoma. Treatment with targeted inhibitors in patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma has afforded dramatic responses in about half of selected patients. Unfortunately, disease control is not durable and recurrences are common. We predict an increasing role for the surgeon in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with metastatic disease, as well as a role for molecular profiling in patients with high-risk early stage disease. Further, we are only beginning to understand the prognostic significance of various gene mutations in patients with melanoma.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Danielle K. DePeralta MD & Genevieve M. Boland MD, PhD

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  1. Danielle K. DePeralta MD
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  2. Genevieve M. Boland MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Genevieve M. Boland MD, PhD.

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Acknowledgement This educational review series, “Genomic Markers in the Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer” is supported by an independent educational grant from Genomic Health, Inc. The Society of Surgical Oncology offers CME/MOC for this educational review series. Visit moc.surgonc.org for additional information. Annals of Surgical Oncology educational reviews represent the journal’s commitment to the peer review and publication of high quality research necessary to define the safety, toxicity, or effectiveness of potential therapeutic agents compared with conventional alternatives.

This Educational Review Series may include information regarding the use of medications that may be outside the approved labeling for these products. Physicians should consult the current prescribing information for these products. Authors of Annals of Surgical Oncology educational reviews are provided at the time of article solicitation with this statement regarding off-label pharmaceutical information and research.

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DePeralta, D.K., Boland, G.M. Melanoma: Advances in Targeted Therapy and Molecular Markers. Ann Surg Oncol 22, 3451–3458 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-015-4702-1

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