No longer a molecular black box - new clues to apoptosis and drug resistance in melanoma

Disseminated melanoma is a radiation-and chemotherapy-refractory neoplasm f or which no standard therapy currently exists. So far, genetic and molecula r studies have revealed few non-random chromosomal abnormalities and infreq uent mutational spectra. Consequently, the precise molecular determinants r esponsible for melanoma progression are yet to be delineated. Recent studie s, however, have identified defects at multiple levels of the apoptosis pro gram in melanoma, which provided new clues to drug resistance of this highl y aggressive neoplasm. The process of apoptosis provides a conceptual frame work to link melanoma genetics with the outcome of melanoma therapy. Hence, the genes and proteins that control apoptosis provide exciting new targets for rationally designed anti-melanoma therapeutic strategies.