Treatment for metastatic malignant melanoma: old drugs and new strategies

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2010 Apr;74(1):27-39. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2009.08.005. Epub 2009 Sep 24.

Abstract

The number of melanoma cases worldwide is increasing faster than any other cancer and remains one of the most treatment-refractory malignancies. Despite decades of clinical trials testing chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a standard first-line treatment for metastatic melanoma has not yet been established; tough single agent dacarbazine represents the most common option. This review will focus on metastatic malignant melanoma treatment from single agent until new therapies. An overview of established chemotherapies and immunotherapies, followed by a summary of trials testing the potential combination and new agent are explored.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Drugs, Investigational / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy* / methods
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Interleukin-2 / therapeutic use
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / immunology
  • Melanoma / secondary
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Drugs, Investigational
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Interleukin-2