Malignant Melanoma: From Molecular Characterization to Targeted Therapies

Malignant melanoma represents the deadliest form of skin cancer and its incidence is increasing worldwide every year. Despite this increased incidence, the mortality rate has been reported more recently to decrease even in advanced disease. This is the effect of novel therapeutic regimens that have derived from a better understanding of the classification and molecular characterization of the disease. After years of limited results with chemotherapeutic regimens, the introduction of immunotherapy and targeted therapies with BRAF/MEK inhibitors about ten years ago has revolutionized our approach to advance metastatic melanoma treatment. In the present review, we are presenting an overview of the disease, detailing the most common subtypes of melanoma, their characteristic molecular profiles and selective targeted therapies, including immunotherapy and selective inhibitors of BRAF and MEK, that have changed the prognosis and outcomes for thousands of patients.