Molecular insights into melanoma brain metastases. (1st June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Westphal, Dana; Glitza Oliva, Isabella C.; Niessner, Heike
• Is Part Of: Cancer. Volume 123(2017)Supplement S11
• Page Start: 2163
• Page End: 2175
• Publication Date: 2017-06-01
• Subjects: blood‐brain barrier -- brain metastasis -- brain parenchyma -- immune cells -- immunotherapies -- melanoma -- targeted therapies; Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30594
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-543X

Abstract

Abstract : Substantial proportions of patients with metastatic melanoma develop brain metastases during the course of their disease, often resulting in significant morbidity and death. Despite recent advances with BRAF/MEK and immune‐checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of patients who have melanoma with extracerebral metastases, patients who have melanoma brain metastases still have poor overall survival, highlighting the need for further therapy options. A deeper understanding of the molecular pathways involved in the development of melanoma brain metastases is required to develop more brain‐specific therapies. Here, the authors summarize the currently known preclinical data and describe steps involved in the development of melanoma brain metastases. Only by knowing the molecular background is it possible to design new therapeutic agents that can be used to improve the outcome of patients with melanoma brain metastases. Cancer 2017;123:2163‐75. © 2017 American Cancer Society . Abstract : The brain remains a kind of sanctuary site for therapy and, until recently, patients with active melanoma brain metastases have been excluded from clinical trials. Only by gaining more molecular insights into the formation of such metastases will it be possible to overcome that resistance and elucidate new possible therapeutic targets.