Cutaneous Melanoma: Molecular Biology, Risk Factors and Treatment Options

Abstract

Cutaneous Melanoma is the neoplasia with the fastest growing incidence worldwide. Early diagnosed tumors are mostly curable by surgery. However, when it metastasizes, only a minority of patients can be cured; treatment options are still limited, in part due to its refractory nature to conventional therapies. In this section we will revisit the main risk factors associated to this disease and will perform an integral analysis of its biology, taking into consideration key signatures and signaling pathways. In light of the increasing knowledge about Cutaneous Melanoma biology and its immunogenic nature, we will go through new therapies that focus on targeted therapies and immunotherapy, including vaccines.