Illuminating a Potential Culprit in Melanoma Treatment Resistance
Source: The Asco Post, April 2024
Researchers may have uncovered the mechanisms behind the development of targeted therapy resistance in melanoma, according to a recent study published by Aya Moreno et al in Cell Reports.
Background
The global incidence of melanoma—the deadliest type of skin cancer—is rising, making novel treatments necessary to alleviate the health burden of the disease.
he BRAF gene normally creates a protein to control cell growth; however, BRAF mutations—which are present in about 50% of melanoma cases—can cause melanoma cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Significant advances such as genetic tests to identify BRAF mutations have allowed researchers to develop more targeted and personalized therapies to inhibit the function of these mutations.