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Natarelli N, Aleman SJ, Mark IM, Tran JT, Kwak S, Botto E, Aflatooni S, Diaz MJ, Lipner SR. A Review of Current and Pipeline Drugs for Treatment of Melanoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:214. [PMID: 38399429 PMCID: PMC10892880 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Combining these modalities often yields better responses. Surgery is suitable for localized cases, sometimes involving lymph node dissection and biopsy, to assess the spread of the disease. Radiation therapy may be sometimes used as a standalone treatment or following surgical excision. Systemic chemotherapy, while having low response rates, is utilized as part of combination treatments or when other methods fail. The development of resistance to systemic chemotherapies and associated side effects have prompted further research and clinical trials for novel approaches. In the case of advanced-stage melanoma, a comprehensive approach may be necessary, incorporating targeted therapies and immunotherapies that demonstrate significant antitumor activity. Targeted therapies, including inhibitors targeting BRAF, MEK, c-KIT, and NRAS, are designed to block the specific molecules responsible for tumor growth. These therapies show promise, particularly in patients with corresponding mutations. Combination therapy, including BRAF and MEK inhibitors, has been evidenced to improve progression-free survival; however, concerns about resistance and cutaneous toxicities highlight the need for close monitoring. Immunotherapies, leveraging tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and CAR T cells, enhance immune responses. Lifileucel, an FDA-approved tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, has demonstrated improved response rates in advanced-stage melanoma. Ongoing trials continue to explore the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy for advanced melanoma. Checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 have enhanced outcomes. Emerging IL-2 therapies boost dendritic cells, enhancing anticancer immunity. Oncolytic virus therapy, approved for advanced melanoma, augments treatment efficacy in combination approaches. While immunotherapy has significantly advanced melanoma treatment, its success varies, prompting research into new drugs and factors influencing outcomes. This review provides insights into current melanoma treatments and recent therapeutic advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Natarelli
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Sarah J. Aleman
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Isabella M. Mark
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jasmine T. Tran
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sean Kwak
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Elizabeth Botto
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Shaliz Aflatooni
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Michael J. Diaz
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Shari R. Lipner
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY 10021, USA
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Cerezo M, Rocchi S. Novel Therapeutic Targets in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030747. [PMID: 36765705 PMCID: PMC9913784 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer type and ranks amongst the deadliest cancers due to its ability to develop resistance to current therapies [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Cerezo
- INSERM, U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Université Côte d'Azur, Equipe 12, Bâtiment ARCHIMED, 151 Route de St Antoine de Ginestière, BP2 3194, CEDEX 3, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Stéphane Rocchi
- INSERM, U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Université Côte d'Azur, Equipe 12, Bâtiment ARCHIMED, 151 Route de St Antoine de Ginestière, BP2 3194, CEDEX 3, 06204 Nice, France
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3
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Wang K, Luo Q, Zhang Y, Xie X, Cheng W, Yao Q, Chen Y, Ren H, Li J, Pan Z. LINC01296 promotes proliferation of cutaneous malignant melanoma by regulating miR-324-3p/MAPK1 axis. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 15:2877-2890. [PMID: 36462499 PMCID: PMC10188354 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the functions and potential molecular mechanism of LINC01296 regarding the progression of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) by the regulation of miR-324-3p/MAPK1 axis. METHODS The candidate differential lncRNAs of CMM were selected from GEPIA database, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to assess the expression level of LINC01296 in human CMM tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation assay, Colony formation assay, Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assay in vitro and tumorigenicity assays in nude mice in vivo were performed to examine the functions of LINC01296. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay and rescue experiments were also gained an insight into the underlying mechanisms of LINC01296 in CMM cell lines by miR-324-3p/MAPK1 axis. RESULTS In this study, the up-regulation of LINC01296 was found in CMM tissues and cell lines. Functionally, the over-expression of LINC01296 promoted the proliferation in CMM cell lines. In addition, immunochemistry analysis confirmed that the levels of MAPK1 and Ki-67 in sh-LINC01296-xenografted tumors was weaker than that in sh-NC-xenografted tumors. Then, bioinformatics analysis confirmed that LINC01296 interacted with miR-324-3p. Further investigations showed that MAPK1, which collected from the potential related genes of LINC01296, was the conjugated mRNA of miR-324-3p by luciferase reporter assay. Finally, the rescue experiments suggested the positive regulatory association among LINC01296 and MAPK1, which showed that MAPK1 could reverse the promoting-effect of LINC01296 in CMM cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, our findings provided insight into the mechanisms of LINC01296 via miR-324-3p/MAPK1 axis in CMM, and revealed an alternative target for the diagnosis and treatment of CMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Gaoyou People’s Hospital, Yangzhou 225600, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, China
| | - Yingfeng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Gaoyou People’s Hospital, Yangzhou 225600, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Gaoyou People’s Hospital, Yangzhou 225600, China
| | - Wenhao Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, China
| | - Qiunan Yao
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Department of General Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222002, China
| | - Jiuping Li
- Department of General Surgery, Gaoyou People’s Hospital, Yangzhou 225600, China
| | - Zuanqin Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Gaoyou People’s Hospital, Yangzhou 225600, China
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Anestopoulos I, Kyriakou S, Tragkola V, Paraskevaidis I, Tzika E, Mitsiogianni M, Deligiorgi MV, Petrakis G, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI, Franco R, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. Targeting the epigenome in malignant melanoma: Facts, challenges and therapeutic promises. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108301. [PMID: 36283453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer with high rates of mortality. Although current treatment options provide a short-clinical benefit, acquired-drug resistance highlights the low 5-year survival rate among patients with advanced stage of the disease. In parallel, the involvement of an aberrant epigenetic landscape, (e.g., alterations in DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications marks and expression of non-coding RNAs), in addition to the genetic background, has been also associated with the onset and progression of melanoma. In this review article, we report on current therapeutic options in melanoma treatment with a focus on distinct epigenetic alterations and how their reversal, by specific drug compounds, can restore a normal phenotype. In particular, we concentrate on how single and/or combinatorial therapeutic approaches have utilized epigenetic drug compounds in being effective against malignant melanoma. Finally, the role of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in promoting drug resistance to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors is presented leading to the development of newly synthesized and/or improved drug compounds capable of targeting the epigenome of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Anestopoulos
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - S Kyriakou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - V Tragkola
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - I Paraskevaidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E Tzika
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - M V Deligiorgi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Petrakis
- Saint George Hospital, Chania, Crete, Greece
| | - D T Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Botaitis
- Department of Surgery, Alexandroupolis University Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace School of Medicine, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - A Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Koukourakis
- Radiotherapy / Oncology, Radiobiology & Radiopathology Unit, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - R Franco
- Redox Biology Centre, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - A Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Molecular Docking and Intracellular Translocation of Extracellular Vesicles for Efficient Drug Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112971. [PMID: 36361760 PMCID: PMC9659046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, mediate intercellular communication by delivering their contents, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, to distant target cells. EVs play a role in the progression of several diseases. In particular, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) levels in exosomes are associated with cancer progression. Furthermore, exosomes are being used for new drug-delivery systems by modifying their membrane peptides to promote their intracellular transduction via micropinocytosis. In this review, we aim to show that an efficient drug-delivery system and a useful therapeutic strategy can be established by controlling the molecular docking and intracellular translocation of exosomes. We summarise the mechanisms of molecular docking of exosomes, the biological effects of exosomes transmitted into target cells, and the current state of exosomes as drug delivery systems.
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Thornton J, Chhabra G, Singh CK, Guzmán-Pérez G, Shirley CA, Ahmad N. Mechanisms of Immunotherapy Resistance in Cutaneous Melanoma: Recognizing a Shapeshifter. Front Oncol 2022; 12:880876. [PMID: 35515106 PMCID: PMC9066268 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.880876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the seven most common cancers in the United States, and its incidence is still increasing. Since 2011, developments in targeted therapies and immunotherapies have been essential for significantly improving overall survival rates. Prior to the advent of targeted and immunotherapies, metastatic melanoma was considered a death sentence, with less than 5% of patients surviving more than 5 years. With the implementation of immunotherapies, approximately half of patients with metastatic melanoma now survive more than 5 years. Unfortunately, this also means that half of the patients with melanoma do not respond to current therapies and live less than 5 years after diagnosis. One major factor that contributes to lower response in this population is acquired or primary resistance to immunotherapies via tumor immune evasion. To improve the overall survival of melanoma patients new treatment strategies must be designed to minimize the risk of acquired resistance and overcome existing primary resistance. In recent years, many advances have been made in identifying and understanding the pathways that contribute to tumor immune evasion throughout the course of immunotherapy treatment. In addition, results from clinical trials focusing on treating patients with immunotherapy-resistant melanoma have reported some initial findings. In this review, we summarize important mechanisms that drive resistance to immunotherapies in patients with cutaneous melanoma. We have focused on tumor intrinsic characteristics of resistance, altered immune function, and systemic factors that contribute to immunotherapy resistance in melanoma. Exploring these pathways will hopefully yield novel strategies to prevent acquired resistance and overcome existing resistance to immunotherapy treatment in patients with cutaneous melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Thornton
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Chandra K Singh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Carl A Shirley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States.,William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
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