ADJUVANT THERAPY IN MELANOMA: A REVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Abstract

Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer with a steadily increasing annual incidence. Although it accounts for only 1% of diagnosed skin cancers, it has the highest mortality rate among them. Therefore, it is essential to continuously develop treatment methods and improve long-term outcomes. In recent years, a breakthrough has been the introduction of adjuvant therapy following surgical treatment, which has become the standard of treatment. This has led to an increase in recurrence-free survival and overall survival in high-risk patients. Immunotherapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, as well as targeted therapy for patients with BRAF mutations, have become part of the standard of care. These are recommended for patients with stage IIB–IV melanoma at high risk of recurrence to eliminate micrometastases. Various treatment regimens targeting different patient subgroups are still being investigated to optimize outcomes and minimize adverse effects. This paper reviews and discusses current adjuvant treatment strategies for melanoma. In addition, it highlights the emerging role and future potential of these therapies in the neoadjuvant setting.