The Role of Immunotherapy in Enhancing Surgical Outcomes for Melanoma Patients

El-Tanani M, Rangraze I, Rabbani SA, Rizzo M, Parvez S and Ahmed Khan M

College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Department of Internal Medicine, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, UAE Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Childcare, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, Italy Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, India School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, India

^*Correspondance to: Mohamed El-Tanani 

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Abstract:

The integration of immunotherapy with surgical treatment represents a transformative approach to managing melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, has shown remarkable efficacy in inducing durable responses and improving survival rates in melanoma patients. This manuscript explores the synergistic potential of combining immunotherapy with surgical intervention to enhance treatment outcomes. Preoperative immunotherapy can shrink tumors, making them more resectable, while postoperative immunotherapy helps eradicate residual microscopic disease and reduce recurrence risk. Clinical trials, such as CheckMate 238 and KEYNOTE-054, have demonstrated significant improvements in recurrence-free survival with adjuvant immunotherapy. Neoadjuvant trials, including OpACIN and NADIM, have shown high rates of pathological complete response, transforming inoperable tumors into resectable ones. Despite the promising results, challenges such as patient selection, management of immune-related adverse effects, and cost accessibility need to be addressed. Personalized treatment plans based on predictive biomarkers are essential for optimizing outcomes. Case studies highlight the real-world benefits and complexities of this combined approach, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary strategy. As research progresses, the continued refinement of immunotherapy and surgical techniques promises to set new standards in melanoma care, enhancing survival rates and quality of life for patients. This integrated approach represents a significant advancement in the fight against melanoma, offering hope for better management and eventual eradication of this aggressive cancer.

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Cite the Article:

El-Tanani M, Rangraze I, Rabbani SA, Rizzo M, Parvez S, Ahmed Khan M. The Role of Immunotherapy in Enhancing Surgical Outcomes for Melanoma Patients. World J Surg Surgical Res. 2024; 7: 1567..