Cutaneous Melanoma: An Overview of Physiological and Therapeutic Aspects and Biotechnological Use of Serine Protease Inhibitors

Abstract

Background: Metastatic melanoma stands out as the most lethal form of skin cancer because of its high propensity to spread and its remarkable resistance to treatment methods. Methods: In this review article, we address the incidence of melanoma worldwide and its staging phases. We thoroughly investigate the different melanomas and their associated risk factors. In addition, we underscore the principal therapeutic goals and pharmacological methods that are currently used in the treatment of melanoma. Results: The implementation of targeted therapies has contributed to improving the approach to patients. However, because of the emergence of resistance early in treatment, overall survival and progression-free periods continue to be limited. Conclusions: We provide new insights into plant serine protease inhibitor therapeutics, supporting high-throughput drug screening soon, and seeking a complementary approach to explain crucial mechanisms associated with melanoma.

Keywords

• skin cancer
• etiology
• staging
• targeted therapy
• proteolytic activity