Source: Gene Online, June 2025
A study involving 1,225 patients with metastatic melanoma has identified a genetic trait linked to resistance against immune checkpoint inhibitors, a widely used form of immunotherapy. Researchers found that the majority of individuals who did not respond to these treatments shared this inherited genetic characteristic. Metastatic melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, claims nearly 10,000 lives in the United States each year.
The findings mark the first time scientists have pinpointed a specific genetic factor associated with treatment resistance in this patient population. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are designed to boost the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells more effectively. However, their effectiveness varies significantly among patients. The discovery sheds light on why some individuals fail to benefit from these therapies and may pave the way for more personalized approaches to treating metastatic melanoma in the future.