Therapeutic targets for melanoma

Melanoma is a highly aggressive, therapy-resistant malignant tumor that originates when melanocytes are injured and transformed by ultraviolet radiation, or as a consequence of exposure to environmental agents in a genetically predisposed individual. Melanomas can develop anywhere on the body, although they are most frequently found on the skin in areas with greatest sun exposure. Treatment of patients diagnosed with thin primary cutaneous melanoma is relatively easy and is associated with a high cure rate. However, when the disease is not diagnosed until the more advanced, metastatic or vertical-growth stage, treatment options are limited and the failure rate is high. Targeted therapy directly attacking oncogenes and their,:pathways required for cancer progression, as well. as angiogenesis inhibition, are emerging as valuable therapeutic strategies for melanoma treatment. Immunotherapy is also being explored in the context of melanoma therapy. In the interest of facilitating access to information on the principal targets for therapeutic intervention in melanoma, this article presents those targets that are currently under active investigation.