/ Updated January 9th, 2025

The Future of Biomarkers in Melanoma Treatment

Creator: Lindsay Modglin
Published: 2022-03-10T10:01:49-05:00

: Dr. Elizabeth Buchbinder Written by Lindsay Modglin

Details

Developing Biomarkers

A biomarker is a measurable characteristic that can indicate the presence or progression of a disease.
Most of the biomarkers that have been identified for melanoma are still in development.
With several potential biomarkers currently in progress, doctors may be able to more accurately predict how someone will respond to a particular therapy.

Melanoma treatment has come a long way over the past decade, with new and innovative therapies becoming available. However, not all people with melanoma respond well to these treatments, and it can be difficult to predict who will benefit from a particular therapy.

This is where biomarkers come in. Their use is becoming increasingly important in the field of oncology and is likely to play a future role in the treatment of many types of cancer. By identifying biomarkers for predicting response to melanoma treatment, researchers can help ensure each person receives the most appropriate therapy for their situation.

This could lead to improved outcomes for melanoma patients and a better quality of life. Aside from that, financial and health benefits are also likely. SurvivorNet spoke with Dr. Jeffrey Weber, NYU Langone Health oncologist and melanoma specialist, about the future of biomarkers in melanoma treatment.

“We will come up with composite biomarkers that are working, but that’s work in progress,” Dr. Weber says.

What are Biomarkers?

A biomarker is a measurable characteristic that can indicate the presence or progression of a disease. They can be used to predict how someone will respond to a certain type of cancer treatment.

For example, if you have a high level of a certain biomarker, you may be more likely to respond positively to a particular treatment. Doctors use this data to tailor treatments.

Biomarkers are just one tool that allows for a more personalized treatment plan, which helps increase the chance of a successful outcome.

Are There Biomarkers for Melanoma?

Unfortunately, most of the biomarkers that have been identified for melanoma are still in development. This means they have yet to be validated and may not be accurate predictors of treatment response.

Future biomarkers for melanoma may help:

Accurately stage the melanoma
Predict the potential for relapse
Determine the most effective therapies
Identify relapse before imaging shows signs of recurring disease

“We desperately need biomarkers to predict who’s going to relapse,” Dr. Weber says. He explains that, with biomarkers, doctors could target therapies to those who would benefit the mostwhich would save both money and lives.

What are the Challenges in Developing Biomarkers?

Developing biomarkers is not a simple task. It’s difficult to identify which proteins or genes are associated with cancer and how they might predict treatment response. Once identified, these biomarkers need to be validated in order to ensure they are accurate predictors.

This poses another challenge, as it’s difficult to reproduce laboratory results in various clinical settings. The clinical trial process is complex and often takes many years and failed attempts. The cost factor is also a major consideration, as biomarker development is expensivea hurdle for any new technology.

“Bottom line is pharmacoeconomics is a big deal. You can’t ignore it,” Dr. Weber adds when discussing the economic challenges of cancer treatment.

Despite these difficulties, there is optimism that biomarkers for melanoma will be identified in the near future. This would be a major breakthrough for melanoma and many experts feel it’s only a matter of time until this occurs.