Melanoma

Definition

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer originating from melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment production in the skin. It is known for its potential to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Melanoma is strongly linked to UV radiation exposure, which can damage DNA in melanocytes.
2. The immune system can recognize and attack melanoma cells; however, melanoma often develops mechanisms to evade immune detection.
3. Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, have shown significant promise in treating advanced melanoma by boosting the body's immune response against cancer cells.
4. Melanomas can produce immunosuppressive factors that inhibit local immune responses, aiding their survival and growth.
5. Biomarkers like PD-L1 expression are used to predict the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments in melanoma patients.

Review Questions

• How does UV radiation contribute to the development of melanoma?
• What role do checkpoint inhibitors play in melanoma treatment?
• Why are biomarkers important for predicting immunotherapy outcomes in melanoma?

Related terms

Immunotherapy:

A treatment method that uses certain parts of a person's immune system to fight diseases such as cancer.

Checkpoint Inhibitors:

Drugs that help block proteins made by some types of immune system cells, such as T cells, and some cancer cells.

PD-L1:

A protein that can be expressed on cancer cells and inhibits T-cell function, often targeted by specific immunotherapies.