The Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Metastases from Melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma is one of the deadliest skin tumors, accounting for almost 90% of skin cancer mortality. Although immune therapy and targeted therapy have dramatically changed the prognosis of metastatic melanoma, many patients experience disease progression despite the currently available new treatments. Skin metastases from melanoma represent a relatively common event as first sign of advanced disease or a sign of recurrence. Skin metastases are usually asymptomatic, although in advanced stages, they can present with ulceration, bleeding, and superinfection; furthermore, they can cause symptoms related to compression on nearby tissues. Treatments vary from simple surgery resections to topical or intralesional local injections, or a combination of these techniques with the most recent systemic immune or target therapies. New research and studies should focus on the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of the cutaneous metastases of melanoma in order to shed light on the mechanisms underlying the different behavior and prognoses of different patients.

Lamivudine, Doravirine, and Cabotegravir Downregulate the Expression of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), Inhibit Cell Growth, and Reduce Invasive Capability in Melanoma Cell Lines

“…Cutaneous melanoma incidence has consistently risen over the past few decades in various susceptible populations [1]. Melanoma is also the most invasive form of skin cancer, and patients with advanced metastatic melanoma face a high risk of death, with a median survival rate of less than one year [2,3]. Melanoma initiation is driven in melanocytes by various genetic and epigenetic events prompted by adverse environmental conditions, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation.…”

“…Identifying appropriate therapeutic strategies for the treatment of melanoma has consistently posed challenges, given its resistance to standardized approaches, frequent relapses, and low immunogenicity [2]. Nevertheless, in the last decade, the utilization of targeted therapies and immunotherapies has significantly improved the prognosis of melanoma [2].…”

Molecular Frontiers in Melanoma: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Advances

“…Melanoma’s incidence surged by 320% from 1975 to 2018, influenced by risk factors such as sun exposure, indoor tanning, family history, and the number of nevi [ 2 ]. This type of skin cancer is responsible for nearly 90% of skin cancer deaths, despite constituting a small fraction of skin cancer cases [ 3 ]. The disease impacts both older and younger populations, though the increase in incidence is particularly notable among older individuals [ 3 ].…”

“…This type of skin cancer is responsible for nearly 90% of skin cancer deaths, despite constituting a small fraction of skin cancer cases [ 3 ]. The disease impacts both older and younger populations, though the increase in incidence is particularly notable among older individuals [ 3 ]. The primary cause of death from melanoma is metastatic spread, first to the lymph nodes and, most commonly, to the lungs [ 3 ].…”

“…The disease impacts both older and younger populations, though the increase in incidence is particularly notable among older individuals [ 3 ]. The primary cause of death from melanoma is metastatic spread, first to the lymph nodes and, most commonly, to the lungs [ 3 ]. Early-stage melanoma (I–II) can be effectively treated with complete surgical excision, boasting an excellent 5-year survival rate of 99.4% [ 2 ].…”