Molecular patterns in melanoma and therapeutic targets

Malignant melanoma is one of the most lethal cancers whose treatment options are limited once it has metastasized. Recent advances in molecular technology have improved our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of melanoma pathogenesis. In this article, we highlight several pathways that have been implicated in melanomagenesis. While a cure is not yet within grasp, the picture on the horizon is less hazy and the next decade promises to yield exciting new therapeutic discoveries.