Resistance patterns with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in melanoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: After years of therapeutic approaches with limited effects in metastatic melanoma, new inhibitors of serine-threonine and tyrosine kinases have demonstrated impressive clinical efficacy and improved survival. RECENT FINDINGS: This review explains the molecular background for the development of specific kinase inhibitors and briefly summarizes their clinical impact on advanced melanoma. SUMMARY: Despite robust early clinical efficacy, the antiproliferative effect of these kinase inhibitors is limited. The resistance mechanisms are explored currently and will help to identify new targets for melanoma therapy.