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Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology Review Article

Mystic Malignant Melanoma Modalities

  1. Sunil Chaudhry Thane & Consultant Edenwell Therapeutics Department of Pharmacology, Mumbai
  2. A Trailokia Indoco Remedies, Mumbai

Abstract

Melanoma is a highly aggressive form of cancer with four recognized subtypes. In about 90% of cases, melanoma is diagnosed as a primary tumor, without signs of spreading. If caught early, the survival rate is quite high, reaching around 94%. However, for metastatic melanoma, the survival rate drops significantly to about 40%. Diagnosing melanoma can be tricky, as it shares features with benign conditions like seborrheic keratosis, benign moles, blue nevi, and vascular lesions, such as spider angiomas and pyogenic granulomas. Melanoma most commonly affects fair-skinned individuals over 50. Among Caucasians, uveal melanoma is the most common primary eye tumor in adults, though it remains rare, with an incidence rate below 1%. The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, which influences cell growth and movement, is active in nearly all melanomas. The BRAF gene, specifically the V600E mutation, is found in about half of melanoma patients and triggers the production of a protein that fuels tumor growth. Elevated levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase are associated with a poorer prognosis in metastatic melanoma, and lactate dehydrogenase testing is widely recommended for these patients. Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and surgery. For advanced cases that are not suitable for surgery, Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, a specialized form of radiotherapy, may be used. Melanoma is often regarded as a radioresistant tumor that does not regress much with radiotherapy. High-dose radiotherapy may only improve local response by 20%–30%.

Keywords

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