Pharmacotherapy of metastatic melanoma: Emerging trends and opportunities for a cure

Metastatic melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer and is poorly responsive to standard chemotherapeutics, such as Dacarbazine and Paclitaxel. Recently, the advent of Vemurafenib and Ipilimumab has broadened the spectrum of therapeutic options for advanced melanoma patients but the occurrence of resistance and of high-grade toxicities call for better and more effective treatments. This review focuses on approved and experimental therapies for metastatic melanoma. The mechanism of action and the reported efficacy data for small molecule drugs and biologics are discussed, outlining directions for future pharmaceutical research in this field.