HOPA 2025: Advancements and Challenges in Neoadjuvant Therapy for Regional Melanoma
Source: Pharmacy Times, April 2025
Christine Barrett, PharmD, BCOP, addressed advances in the treatment of stage III melanoma that provide the potential to improve long-term outcomes by enhancing immune response, tailoring surgical approaches, and refining patient selection strategies.
Melanoma, the fifth most common type of cancer in the United States, remains a significant public health concern, with the American Cancer Society estimating that over 100,000 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed and nearly 8400 patients will succumb to the disease in 2025. Although significant therapeutic advancements have transformed the treatment landscape—particularly with the advent of immunotherapies and BRAF/MEK targeted therapies—melanoma continues to exact a substantial global burden, particularly in fair-skinned populations and older adults, explained Christine Barrett, PharmD, BCOP, during the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) 2025 Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors
Cutaneous melanoma is predominantly diagnosed in older individuals, with higher incidence observed in males and non-Hispanic White patients, explained Barrett. Key risk factors include ultraviolet radiation exposure, light skin and hair phenotype, personal and family history of melanoma, and genetic predispositions.