Melanoma brain metastases: Biological basis and novel therapeutic strategies. Issue 1 (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Phadke, Manali; Ozgun, Alpaslan; Eroglu, Zeynep; Smalley, Keiran S. M.
• Other Names: Haass Nikolas guestEditor.; Bedogni Barbara guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Experimental dermatology. Volume 31:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: brain metastases -- CNS -- immunology -- melanoma -- metabolism; Dermatology -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/exd.14286
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0906-6705

Abstract

Abstract: The development of brain metastases is the deadliest complication of advanced melanoma and has long been associated with a dismal prognosis. The recent years have seen incredible progress in the development of therapies for melanoma brain metastases (MBM), with both targeted therapies (the BRAF‐MEK inhibitor combination) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (the anti‐CTLA‐4, anti‐PD‐1 combination) showing impressive levels of activity. Despite this, durations of response for these therapies remain lower at intracranial sites of metastasis compared to extracranial metastases and it has been suggested that there are unique features of the brain microenvironment that contribute to therapeutic escape. In this review, we outline the latest research into the biology and pathophysiology of melanoma brain metastasis development and progression. We then discuss the current status of clinical trial that are open to patients with MBM and end by describing the ongoing challenges for the field.