Purpose Of Review: Among solid tumors, melanoma has the highest propensity for brain dissemination. Although newer treatment approaches have resulted in excellent control or elimination of brain metastasis in many patients, they remain the cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Here, we review recent preclinical and clinical studies to detail current understanding of the incidence, prognosis, biological characteristics, and treatments for melanoma brain metastases.
Recent Findings: Clinical trials tailored to this patient population have demonstrated prolonged disease control with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Emerging clinical challenges include radiation necrosis and perilesional edema, phenomena that are rarely seen in other organs. Recent preclinical studies have resulted in improved understanding of the tumor microenvironment in the brain, providing insights into additional treatment approaches. The biological basis of brain tumor homing and survival within the central nervous system remain understudied. Additional preclinical and clinical studies will enhance our ability to prevent and treat brain metastases.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11912-022-01237-9 | DOI Listing |
J Exp Clin Cancer Res
January 2025
Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Recent advances in oncology research have highlighted the promising synergy between low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) and immunotherapies, with growing evidence highlighting the unique benefits of the combination. LDRT has emerged as a potent tool for stimulating the immune system, triggering systemic antitumor effects by remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Notably, LDRT demonstrates remarkable efficacy even in challenging metastatic sites such as the liver (uveal) and brain (cutaneous), particularly in advanced melanoma stages.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCancer Treat Rev
January 2025
Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
The global incidence of metastatic melanoma with BRAF mutations, characterized by aggressive behavior and poor prognosis, is rising. Recent treatment advances, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and targeted therapies (TT) such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors, have significantly enhanced patient outcomes. Although guidelines recommend sequencing strategies, real-world implementation can be influenced by clinical scenarios.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEur J Cancer
January 2025
National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark. Electronic address:
Introduction: Advances in modern therapies have improved outcomes for patients with melanoma brain metastases (MBM), though prognosis remains poor. The optimal treatment strategy for patients who do not meet clinical trial inclusion criteria is unclear.
Methods: This study included all patients with MBM diagnosed in Denmark between 2015 and 2022, identified through the Danish Metastatic Melanoma Database (DAMMED) and local surgical and radiotherapy records.
Melanoma Manag
December 2024
Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH44195, USA.
This study determined the characteristics of patients with early-stage melanoma (IA-IIA) who later had stage IV recurrence. We retrospectively examined 880 melanoma patients and identified those who progressed to stage IV disease from an initial early-stage (n = 50). We observed a median latent period of 4 years between early-stage diagnosis and metastatic disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Radiat Oncol
February 2025
Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Purpose: Treatment options for leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) are limited. A recent phase 2 study found that proton craniospinal irradiation (pCSI) was well-tolerated and improved survival. We report our experience with pCSI for solid-tumor LM.
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