Melanoma: Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in NSC2500 Course

This report examines melanoma, focusing on its pathophysiology and pharmacological treatments. Melanoma, a skin disorder linked to melanocyte dysfunction, is often triggered by UV radiation. The report details the role of the immune system, particularly through immunotherapy, and the use of drugs like Nivolumab to target cancer cells. It explores the genetic pathways involved, such as BRAF and NRAS, and the mechanism of action of Nivolumab as a PD-1 inhibitor. The report also addresses the side effects associated with Nivolumab and highlights the need for further research to improve treatment outcomes. The report covers the epidemiology of melanoma, which is the 5th most common malignancy in men and 7th in women.

Running head = MELANOMA 0
Melanoma
Abstract
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Melanoma 1
Abstract
Melanoma is a skin disorder that is associated with the uncontrolled growth of
melanocyte Melanoma is initiated due to the disturbance in normal homeostasis of keratinocyte
and melanocytes. The primary reason for the development of melanoma is associated with
Ultraviolet (UV) radiations and tanning lamps have been associated as the intrinsic factor that
triggers skin melanoma.
The epidemiology of melanoma accounts for 5th in men and 7th most common
malignancy, attributing to 5 % and 4 % cases of cancer in men and women respectively.
The spreading of cancer in the body could be stopped by the application of
immunotherapy, which triggers the patient's own immune system to identify and cancer cells.
The genetic pathways that have been associated with the progression of cancer are,
BRAF associated with 60 % but not fund in the initiation of melanoma, NRAS genetic pathway
is considered to be responsible for initiation of melanoma.
The nivolumab drug is used as an inhibitor of these ligands, working as a blockage for
PD-1, further reduction in the hindrance of immune inhibitory signals, that helps in restoring
patient natural immune response through the action of tumor definite T-cells. The major
contradiction associated with nivolumab is a systemic fungal infection, slowing of the wound
healing process.
Melanoma generally occurs at the epidermis and further moves across the other skin
layers. . Nivolumab is being used for the treatment of melanoma with an overall survival rate of

Melanoma 2
63 %. However, some side effects have been associated with nivolumab, therefore further
research needs to be carried out for effective treatment.