Current aspects in the prognosis of advanced melanoma

The therapy of metastatic melanoma has changed rapidly in recent years. Immune checkpoint blockade and targeted therapy have replaced less effective chemotherapies. New clinical studies also point towards a substantial benefit of these drugs for the adjuvant treatment of high-risk patients. Thus, the prognosis of advanced melanoma has improved. Nevertheless, it remains a life-threatening condition due to frequent relapses and progression of the disease. This article aims at providing an overview of current treatment strategies for metastasized melanoma and their impact on prognosis of the disease. In addition, changes in the recently published American Joint Committee of Cancer (AJCC) classification identifying groups at risk will be highlighted.