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Advanced Melanoma: Current Treatment Options, Biomarkers, and Future Perspectives

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Abstract

Malignant melanoma accounts for the highest number of deaths from skin cancer, and the prognosis of patients with stage IV disease has historically been poor. Novel insights into both mutations driving tumorigenesis and immune escape mechanisms of these tumors have led to effective treatment options that have revolutionized the treatment of this disease. Targeting the MAPK kinase pathway (with BRAF and MEK inhibitors), as well as targeting checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) or programmed death 1 (PD-1), have improved overall survival in patients with late-stage melanoma, and biomarker research for personalized therapy is ongoing for each of these treatment modalities. In this review, we will discuss current first-line treatment options, discuss biomarkers supporting treatment decisions, and give an outlook on (combination) therapies we expect to become relevant in the near future.

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  1. Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Elisa A. Rozeman, Tim J. A. Dekker, John B. A. G. Haanen & Christian U. Blank

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  1. Elisa A. Rozeman
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  2. Tim J. A. Dekker
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Elisa A. Rozeman and Tim J.A. Dekker declare that they have no conflicts of interest. John B.A.G. Haanen has received compensation for advisory roles from BMS, Merck, Roche, Ipsen, NEON and Pfizer, and has received grants from Novartis, BMS and Merck. Christian U. Blank received compensation for advisory roles from BMS, MSD, GSK, Roche, Novartis, Lilly and Pfizer, and has received research grants from Novartis and BMS.

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Rozeman, E.A., Dekker, T.J.A., Haanen, J.B.A.G. et al. Advanced Melanoma: Current Treatment Options, Biomarkers, and Future Perspectives. Am J Clin Dermatol 19, 303–317 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0325-6

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