Advances in Melanoma Treatment

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Historically, five-year survival rates for melanoma that has spread beyond the skin have ranged from about 35-75 percent depending on which tissues and organs have been impacted by the metastasis. However, over the past few years, there have been major developments in how melanoma is managed. These advances, rooted in clinical research, offer new hope for patients diagnosed at a later-stage with this aggressive form of cancer.

Harnessing the power of the immune system

Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is considered a groundbreaking development in melanoma. With TIL treatment, immune cells are extracted from the melanoma lesion and then replicated in a lab. This step seeks to energize tumor-fighting capabilities of the patient's own cells. Finally these cells are then reinfused back into the patient’s body to work against the melanoma. TIL was researched and refined over many years; in early 2024, it finally received FDA approval. This therapy has shown promise in shrinking metastatic tumors particularly in patients who had not responded to other treatment options.

Immunotherapy targeting the PD-1 protein

Pembrolizumab (marketed as Keytruda) is a form of immunotherapy that has shown success in treating both early-stage melanomas, as well as those that are more advanced. This therapy has revolutionized melanoma treatment given its method of action is targeting the PD-1 protein. This protein is known to interfere with the immune system's ability to eliminate cancerous cells. By targeting PD-1, a patient’s immune system can combat melanoma more effectively. This treatment has enabled long-term remission in many patients, improving overall survival rates.

New drug cocktail mixtures

Recent studies on therapy combinations are also showing promising results. For example, combining an approved therapy such as pembrolizumab with an experimental therapy aimed at approaching the tumor in a different manner. These newer approaches being studied are primarily seeking to overcome treatment resistance in melanoma tumors in an effort to increase survivability.

Personalized medicine continues to evolve

Advancements in genetic profiling are leading to more and better personalized treatment approaches. This is the case in nearly all forms of cancer, including melanoma. By evaluating tumor samples for their genetic make-up, oncologists can make treatment plans based on what specific therapies have shown positive outcomes. Along these lines, patients may experience fewer long-term effects as a result of not undergoing treatments unlikely to have benefit. 

Clinical research around melanoma continues to focus on better understanding of how these tumors have been so successful in evading treatment response. In addition, there is high interest in identifying new targets for immunotherapy. All of this is vital to increasing long-term survivability of this form of cancer which can appear with little to no obvious warning, signs, or symptoms.