Modulation of the Therapeutic Resistance in SK-MEL-24 Human Melanoma Cells by Combined Treatments

Melanoma represents a worldwide public health problem due to its high incidence and mortality rates. Despite the advances in melanoma therapy, not all patients respond to single or combined therapy because of primary or acquired resistance to the anti-tumor agents. Recently, positive results have been reported since the specific monoclonal antibodies, such as Ipilimumab (Ipi) and Nivolumab (Niv), were included in therapeutic protocols as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The evolution of neoplastic diseases and the therapeutic approaches in cancer involve several biological processes, including apoptosis, DNA progression through cell cycle phases, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and changes in the expression of melanoma genes. Therefore, the potential modulation of these processes and associated molecules, due to single or combined treatments with oncolytic drugs like Carboplatin and Paclitaxel, checkpoint inhibitors such as Ipi and Niv, or natural bioactive compounds like Resveratrol or Quercetin, could represent a great benefit in melanoma treatment, contributing to the decrease or even reversal of the drug resistance in melanoma cells.