ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews clinicopathologic classification of melanoma as well as to provide a brief overview of pathways deemed relevant or potentially relevant to melanoma biology and their status as therapeutic targets. A subclassification system for melanoma that will incorporate distinct types and groups of molecular and genetic changes is gaining momentum in the melanoma community. Monoclonal antibodies and peptide inhibitors against various integrins are in clinical trials for melanoma and other malignancies. Thus far, we have concentrated on somatic mutations associated with melanoma. Most melanomas fall into one of four growth patterns or clinicopathologic subtypes: superficial spreading, lentigo maligna, nodular, or acral lentiginous. Melanomas are classified according to type and growth pattern of tumor cells in the primary lesion. Clearly, there are several relevant and therapeutically interesting pathways that interact in melanoma initiation and progression. As we continue to gather information to better understand and classify melanoma, our therapeutic options and strategies will evolve.
