Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a severe complication in late-stage melanoma, posing challenges for effective treatment due to its hidden location and unclear biology.
Research identifies that the tumor microenvironment in LMD has low immune response but high stromal activity, promoting tumor survival and resistance to therapies.
Targeting the stroma via SERPINA3 and its signaling pathways can resensitize melanoma cells to MAPK inhibitors, offering potential new strategies for treatment.