Preclinical studies, experimental therapeutics, and clinical management of advanced melanoma

Abstract

The preclinical and clinical investigations of therapeutic approaches to melanoma have progressed significantly in the past year. This article reviews recently published information relevant to preclinical studies of the biologic function of stromal tissue, growth factors (and receptors), interferons, cytokines, and antimetabolites as well as clinical studies of agents that may alter host-tumor interactions. Data published over the past year include new advances in the use of cytokines with and without adoptive cellular transfer, as well as tumor cell antigens for immunization and monoclonal antibodies for passive transfer. The data suggest that the age-old dogma that no medical treatment of melanoma prolongs survival may soon be a thing of the past.