New Study Identifies Potential Genes Implicated in Treatment-Resistant Melanoma
Source: The Asco Post, February 2025
Researchers have found that inhibiting the S6K2 gene could be an effective strategy for managing treatment-resistant melanoma, according to a recent study published by Lipchick et al in Science Translational Medicine.
Background
Cases of melanoma—the deadliest type of skin cancer—are currently rising. Since 2000, the number of melanoma cases per 100,000 U.S. individuals has increased from roughly 18 to 24, which may partially be the result of heightened exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sources such as spending time outdoors without protection from sunlight and using tanning beds.
NRAS-mutated melanoma accounts for about 30% of all melanoma cases. Previous research has indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors could serve as a potential therapy for this melanoma subtype; however, MAPK inhibitors are typically ineffective on their own in approximately 80% of cases and don’t extend patient survival.