[Treatment of metastatic melanoma: are we entering the era of targeted treatment?]

Abstract

The treatment of metastatic melanoma has progressed greatly during the last two years. Nowadays melanomas can be divided into molecular subgroups, this being therapeutically relevant. Around 60% of melanomas show a BRAF mutation and can be treated with selected tyrokinase inhibitors. In addition a CTLA-4-antibody was developed which shuts off the natural immune breaking system resulting in a continuous anti-tumor reaction. Angiogenesis inhibitors have shown there importance in different phase II trials. We hope that this represents only the first step of an individualized treatment for metastatic melanoma.