Research on Diagnostics, Pathogenesis and Novel Therapeutic Tools in Melanoma

Dear Colleagues,

Melanoma is a malignant tumor arising from the neoplastic transformation of cutaneous and/or mucosal melanocytes. In the field of dermatological oncology, melanoma due to its metastatic potential, although it represents only 4% of skin tumors, is responsible for 80% of deaths from skin cancer. The etiology of melanoma is influenced by both genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Risk factors include the presence of common and atypical nevi, light skin type, UV radiation exposure patterns, family or personal history of melanoma, non-melanoma skin tumors, and premalignant skin lesions. However, the exact pathogenetic mechanism is still to be clarified. The primary susceptibility genes in melanoma, especially in cases of familial or multiple melanomas, are CDKN2A and CDK4, which are tumor suppressor genes. In sporadic melanoma cases, mutations are frequently found in genes encoding protein kinases related to MAPK and PI-3K/AKT signaling pathways, as well as genes involved in cell cycle and apoptosis, such as BRAF, RAS, NF1, KIT, PTEN/PI3K/AKT, TERT, GNAAQ/GNA11, BAP1, MITF, and P53. Recent scientific research has identified a growing number of other genes potentially involved in melanoma susceptibility. The choice of which genes to include in melanoma screening is still a subject of study and discussion, reflecting the ongoing development in our understanding of this complex condition.

In recent years, great advancements have been achieved in the early diagnosis of this tumor combining (video)dermatoscopy first with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and more recently, with line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT), a technology whose potential described in the current literature is limited but gradually growing to date.

The focus of this Special Issue is on the research of novel experimental therapies and studies highlighting new therapies adopted in clinical practices, their evolution, and their effects on improving prognosis. Novel investigations on alternative therapeutic strategies in order to overcome drug resistance will be particularly appreciated, as will findings aiming to improve prevention and early diagnosis of malignant melanoma.

Dr. Emi Dika
Guest Editor

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• melanoma
• LC-OCT
• early diagnosis
• differential diagnosis
• genetics
• genes
• markers