Melanoma Central

Approximately half of patients with metastatic melanoma have BRAF mutations, specifically BRAF V600E and BRAF V600K mutations, that enable tumor cells to grow out of control. Continuous dosing with a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors has shown better results than intermittent dosing in these cases, according to recent research, while combination regimens also show promise.

Findings from a recent retrospective study demonstrated a multiyear decline in the population-level mortality of melanoma. This decline has been associated with the FDA approval of 10 novel treatments for metastatic melanoma since 2011.

Joshua Arbesman, MD, dermatologist and melanoma specialist at Cleveland Clinic, spoke with Healio about screening for melanoma. He highlighted those patients at the highest risk for melanoma development, the benefits and challenges of using telehealth for screening and the advantages of using advanced technology for screening and detection.

Dermatology practices required evolution and adaptation as the COVID-19 pandemic struck the United States. One of the ways the specialty has been able to continue serving patients was via implementation of comprehensive telemedicine programs.