Melanoma is a tumor of the melanocytes whose tissue of origin is primarily the skin, although it may also develop occasionally in the: gastrointestinal, genitourinary, or respiratory tracts; ocular or mucosal tissue; or meninges. It is subcategorized into superficial spreading melanoma (70% of cases), nodular melanoma (15-30%), lentigo maligna melanoma (10%-20%), and acral lentiginous melanoma (5%). Risk factors include a positive personal or family history of melanoma, genetic predisposition, and exposure to ultraviolet light.Diagnosis is made by excisional, incisional, or punch skin biopsy while imaging or indirect ophthalmoscopy may be employed to diagnose uveal or choroidal melanoma.The seventh most common cancer in the U.S., it has an annual incidence of over 76,000.
Objectives:
- Describe the role of the immune system in cancer and cancer therapy in metastatic melanoma.
- Distinguish between the different forms of therapy presently approved for metastatic melanoma and apply them to practice, taking into account the following: treatment modalities and the recent clinical trial evidence supporting them.
- Describe emerging (investigational) therapies for metastatic melanoma
- Describe the challenges and barriers to care associated with treating patients with metastatic melanoma
Credit Designation:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through ScientiaCME. ScientiaCME is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. ScientiaCME designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
