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Novel Targets for the Treatment of Melanoma

  • Melanoma (RJ Sullivan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Oncology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this article, we will briefly review the current treatment landscape for metastatic melanoma and provide a comprehensive update on emerging novel treatment strategies.

Recent Findings

Over the past decade, remarkable advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have greatly improved outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma. Although a subset of patients is able to achieve durable responses, the majority experience eventual disease progression on existing therapies. Trials evaluating novel combinatorial strategies, checkpoint inhibitors, immune agonists, T cell–based therapies, intratumoral agents, and others are ongoing.

Summary

While strides have been made in the treatment of advanced melanoma, further research is needed to identify alternative immune and molecular targets in order to overcome resistance and achieve better clinical outcomes.

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  1. Lara Ambrosi and Shaheer Khan are co-first authors and contributed equally to the writing of this manuscript.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Stony Brook SOM, 101 Nicholls Rd, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA

    Lara Ambrosi

  2. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, 177 Fort Washington Ave, MHB 6GN-435, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Shaheer Khan, Richard D. Carvajal & Jessica Yang

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Lara Ambrosi declares that she has no conflict of interest.

Shaheer Khan declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Richard D. Carvajal is supported by research funding (paid to his institution) by Bristol-Myers Squibb, Immunocore, Incyte Corporation, Merck, Roche/Genentech, Amgen, Novartis, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Plexxikon, Mirati Therapeutics, MacroGenics, Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, Eli Lilly, and Astellas; has received compensation from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Castle Biosciences, Compugen, Foundation Medicine, Immunocore, I-Mab Biopharma, Incyte Corporation, Merck, Roche/Genentech, PureTech Health, Sanofi Genzyme, and Sorrento Therapeutics for service as a consultant; and has received compensation from Aura Biosciences, Chimeron Bio, and Rgenix for participation on clinical/scientific advisory boards.

Jessica Yang declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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Ambrosi, L., Khan, S., Carvajal, R.D. et al. Novel Targets for the Treatment of Melanoma. Curr Oncol Rep 21, 97 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-019-0849-4

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