title: State of melanoma: an historic overview of a field in transition.
abstract: The last 30 years has seen a revolution in melanoma. Fundamental elements of the surgical, adjuvant medical, and systemic therapy for the disease have been significantly altered toward improved management and better outcomes. The intent of this article is to reflect on past efforts and research in melanoma and the current landscape of treatment of melanoma. The authors also hope to capture the excitement currently rippling through the field and the hope for a cure. The intent of treatment of advanced melanoma, which was once considered incurable, has changed from palliative to potentially curative.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
authors.forename: Vikram C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Gorantla
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5115 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.32, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. Electronic address: kirkwoodjm@upmc.edu.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kirkwood
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D011379:Prognosis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Adjuvant; Biology; Combination therapy; Immunotherapy; Melanoma; Neoadjuvant; Prognosis; Targeted therapies