title: Targeted therapies: Improved outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma.
abstract: Recently published phase III trials involving interleukin-2, ipilimumab and vemurafenib redefine 'standard-of-care' for metastatic melanoma and demonstrate improved survival compared with dacarbazine. All three therapies are potential first-line options for patients with metastatic melanoma, with optimal treatment strategies evolving based on tumor mutation status, disease burden, performance status and comorbidities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. vernon.sondak@moffitt.org
authors.forename: Vernon K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Sondak
authors.forename: Lawrence E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Flaherty
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000556:secondary*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents