New Molecular Targets and Drug Interactions of Anti-Cancer Drugs in Melanoma

Melanoma remains the most aggressive and lethal form of skin cancer, characterized by a high mutational burden and complex signaling dysregulation. Over the last decade, the clinical landscape of advanced melanoma has been revolutionized by the introduction of targeted therapies, particularly BRAF and MEK inhibitors, as well as immune checkpoint blockade. While these agents have significantly improved overall survival, the development of intrinsic and acquired resistance limits their long-term efficacy for many patients. Furthermore, as therapeutic regimens become more complex involving combinational strategies, the pharmacological challenges regarding drug bioavailability, metabolism, and toxicity have increased significantly.The primary aim of this Research Topic is to highlight the latest pharmacological advancements in the treatment of melanoma, with a dual focus on identifying novel molecular targets and elucidating complex drug interactions. As clinicians move toward more personalized medicine, understanding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of new anti-cancer agents is crucial. We aim to bridge the gap between the identification of novel druggable pathways—such as those involved in metabolic reprogramming or DNA damage response—and the clinical optimization of these therapies through rigorous pharmacological assessment. This collection will foster a deeper understanding of how to overcome resistance mechanisms and manage the delicate balance of efficacy versus toxicity in poly-pharmaceutical contexts.We welcome Original Research, Reviews, and Mini-Reviews covering, but not limited to, the following themes:• Identification and validation of novel molecular targets in melanoma beyond the canonical MAPK/ERK pathway (e.g., PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/beta-catenin, or metabolic regulators).• Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations of new small molecule inhibitors or repurposed drugs in melanoma models.• Mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired drug resistance and strategies to overcome them through novel pharmacological combinations.• Assessment of drug-drug interactions (DDIs), including the modulation of Cytochrome P450 enzymes and transporters by anti-cancer agents.• Synergistic effects of combining targeted therapies with immunotherapies or conventional chemotherapy.• Translational studies investigating biomarkers for drug response and toxicity prediction in melanoma patients. Topic editors: Paula Wróblewska-Łuczka, Jarogniew J. Łuszczki Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77354/new-molecular-targets-and-drug-interactions-of-anti-cancer-drugs-in-melanoma