New Targeted Therapies in Melanoma

Abstract

The previous 2 years have been an exciting time in melanoma research, due in part to the approval of vemurafenib and ipilimumab for advanced melanoma. Increased knowledge of the molecular biology leading to melanoma has led to the development of several new agents that target specific oncogenes. The authors review the latest developments in signal transduction inhibitors and in immune modulators for the treatment of melanoma. Investigational agents currently in development are also discussed. Vemurafenib and ipilimumab have improved overall survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. Many new agents are in development, including programmed death-1 antibodies and combination signal transduction inhibitors. A recognition of the genetic diversity of melanoma and a better understanding of the immune system have resulted in improvements in overall survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. Refractory cases remain challenging, and combination therapies are being explored in an effort to overcome resistance mechanisms. New molecular targets need to be identified to help the subset of patients who do not harbor BRAF mutations.