Melanoma Biomarkers and Their Potential Application for In Vivo Diagnostic Imaging Modalities

Abstract

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and remains a diagnostic challenge in the dermatology clinic. Several non-invasive imaging techniques have been developed to identify melanoma. The signal source in each of these modalities is based on the alteration of physical characteristics of the tissue from healthy/benign to melanoma. However, as these characteristics are not always sufficiently specific, the current imaging techniques are not adequate for use in the clinical setting. A more robust way of melanoma diagnosis is to “stain” or selectively target the suspect tissue with a melanoma biomarker attached to a contrast enhancer of one imaging modality. Here, we categorize and review known melanoma diagnostic biomarkers with the goal of guiding skin imaging experts to design an appropriate diagnostic tool for differentiating between melanoma and benign lesions with a high specificity and sensitivity.

Addressing the importance of melanoma tumor‑infiltrating lymphocytes in disease progression and clinicopathological characteristics

“…Melanoma is a tumor with high impact through its rapidly growing incidence, high mortality, increased complexity, and high care costs in advanced stages (1). Melanoma incidence has been increasing in all European regions and the USA for the last few decades (2).…”

Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of glycosidic derivatives of lawsone in melanoma cancer cell

“…Melanoma is the most lethal among the skin type cancers [4]. Data on the incidence of cutaneous melanoma show that more than 300 thousand people were affected by the disease in 2020, in the last five years, there was about one million cases [5].…”

“…Data on the incidence of cutaneous melanoma show that more than 300 thousand people were affected by the disease in 2020, in the last five years, there was about one million cases [5]. The risk factors associated with the development of cutaneous melanoma are linked with environmental factors, such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and genetic predisposition [4].…”

Preclinical Study of Immunological Isoxazole Derivatives as a Potential Support for Melanoma Chemotherapy

“…The isoxazole [4,5-e] [1,2,4] triazepine derivatives were tested on six tumor cell lines. The best compound was 6-acetyl-8-phenyl-5-(propan-2-yl)-5,6-dihydro-4H [1,2] oxazolo [4,5-e] [1,2,4]-triazepine-3-carboxamide. At a dose of 10 µmol, it inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells (Colo-205, HCC-2988 and HT-29), CNS tumor cells (9F-296 and SF-539), melanoma cells (M-14, MDA-MB-435 and SK -ME), ovarian cancer cells (NCJ/ADR-RES), kidney cancer cells (RXF-393), prostate cancer cells (DV), and breast cancer cells (BT-549) [23].…”

“…Melanoma affects all demographic groups and is often diagnosed in people under the age of 30. Women generally have a better prognosis than men, possibly due to the interaction of sex hormones with melanoma cells [2]. Other risk factors for developing melanoma include the number of moles, age, UV exposure, and having a family history of the disease.…”