Abstract
Melanoma is the most malignant skin cancer known for its high mortality rate and delayed formation of metastases. The treatment of metastatic melanoma is currently going through a golden age since novel drugs from the classes of immunotherapeutics and targeted agents are becoming available on the market.
These drugs significantly increase the rate of induced remissions and prolong overall survival. The mechanism of action of immunotherapeutic drugs is based on blocking of inhibitory immune checkpoints in order to increase the efficacy of the body's own immune system against tumour cells.
As more modern agents are being introduced into the market, a positive trend in the treatment of metastatic melanoma will certainly continue. The article presents an overview of the treatment of early- and late-stage melanomas, taking into account the modern non-surgical systemic therapy for metastatic melanoma as well as its use in adjuvant therapy.
Also discussed are the most frequent adverse effects of systemic treatment.