Editorial: Advancements in Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment of Melanoma

Melanoma is characterized by a marked molecular heterogeneity, considerably greater than that highlighted so far from the histopathological and clinical points of view only. The development and progression of melanoma, like almost all other forms of malignant neoplasms, is based on the acquisition of sequential alterations in specific gene pathways or metabolic/molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of cell functions (1, 2). The role of genetic and epigenetic alterations in the onset and progression of tumors is being steadily established. Intracellular alterations occurring in molecular pathways have been found to even concur in interfering with the homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment (TME). As consequence, a tight interaction between intracellular changes and various extracellular factors participating in immune activity against the tumor is strongly involved in modulating neoplastic progression. One can summarize that cancer cells develop and progress under the pressure of an articulated network of intra- and extracellular growth stimuli.