The
melanoma treatment landscape changed in 2011 with the approval of the first anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated
protein (CTLA)-4 checkpoint inhibitor and of the first BRAF-targeted
monoclonal antibody, both of which significantly improved overall survival (OS). Since then, improved understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and tumor immune-evasion mechanisms has resulted in new approaches to targeting and harnessing the host immune response. The approval of new immune and targeted
therapies has further improved outcomes for patients with advanced
melanoma and other combination modalities are also being explored such as
chemotherapy,
radiotherapy, electrochemotherapy and surgery. In addition, different strategies of drugs administration including sequential or combination treatment are being tested. Approaches to overcome resistance and to potentiate the immune response are being developed. Increasing evidence emerges that tissue and blood-based
biomarkers can predict the response to a
therapy. The latest findings in
melanoma research, including insights into the tumor microenvironment and new
biomarkers, improved understanding of
tumor immune response and resistance, novel approaches for combination strategies and the role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant
therapy, were the focus of discussions at the
Melanoma Bridge meeting (5-7 December, 2019, Naples, Italy), which are summarized in this report.