NEW IMMUNOTHERAPY STRATEGIES FOR MELANOMA: CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS, COMBINATION THERAPIES AND mRNA VACCINES
TL;DR
Current and emerging treatment approaches based on modulation of the immune response, with particular emphasis on immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, and mRNA vaccines are discussed.
Abstract
Melanoma remains one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer; however, the development of modern immunotherapeutic strategies has significantly improved the prognosis for a subset of patients. This review aims to discuss current and emerging treatment approaches based on modulation of the immune response, with particular emphasis on immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, and mRNA vaccines. The mechanisms of action of antibodies targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1, their clinical efficacy, and the characteristic immune-related adverse events are presented. The review also discusses targeted therapies directed against BRAF and MEK mutations, as well as the rationale for combining these agents with immunotherapy to overcome treatment resistance. Furthermore, the emerging role of personalized mRNA vaccines designed according to the tumor neoantigen profile and the preliminary results of clinical trials are summarized. The importance of predictive biomarkers for patient selection and future directions in combination therapies are also highlighted. Overall, this review synthesizes the current state of knowledge and outlines promising opportunities for further improving treatment outcomes in patients with melanoma.