[Immunotherapy for malignant melanoma]

Internist (Berl). 2020 Jul;61(7):669-675. doi: 10.1007/s00108-020-00812-1.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Although cutaneous melanoma accounts for only about 4% of all skin cancers (including nonmelanocytic skin cancer), it is responsible for 80% of all deaths caused by skin cancer. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors led to a significant improvement in long-term survival of patients in an advanced stage regardless of BRAF mutation status. In addition to targeted therapy for patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma, immunotherapies are the therapies of choice in advanced stages and, since 2018, also in the adjuvant setting. The effectiveness of combination therapies and sequences of targeted and immunotherapies are currently being tested.

Keywords: BRAF mutation; Drug therapy, combination; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Malignant melanoma, pathogenesis; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma / therapy*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy*