23 de May de 2025

New melanoma treatments: real hope for the most aggressive skin cancer

Every year on May 23rd, World Melanoma Day is commemorated — a key date to raise awareness about prevention, early diagnosis of skin cancer, and advances in the treatment of one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. At barnaclínic+, we take this opportunity to share how melanoma treatment options have evolved, especially in its more advanced or metastatic stages, guided by Dr. Susana Puig, an international leader in Dermatology.

What is melanoma and why is it so dangerous?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. Although it is not the most common type, it is the deadliest due to its ability to develop melanoma metastases. For this reason, it’s essential to monitor the appearance of new moles after the age of 30, or any malignant mole that changes in size, shape, or color.

How long does it take for melanoma to metastasize?

There is no fixed timeframe, as it depends on the type of melanoma, its location, and the stage at which it is detected. What is clear is that early diagnosis can make the difference between curative and palliative treatment. In early stages such as melanoma in situ, cure rates are very high. However, if melanoma progresses, it can quickly spread to other organs.

Melanoma and skin cancer treatment has evolved

At barnaclínic+, we follow the most advanced and personalized protocols for each patient. As Dr. Susana Puig explains in the video for World Melanoma Day, surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, but it is not always sufficient. “We require systemic treatments, which act not only on the lesion but on the whole body, to prevent or treat distant metastases,” she notes.

“Sometimes surgery is not enough, and we require systemic melanoma treatments that act not only on the lesion but on the entire body to prevent or treat distant metastases.”

Dr. Susana Puig, Head of the Dermatology Department at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and dermatologist at barnaclínic+

Immunotherapy: when the immune system fights cancer

One of the most important therapeutic breakthroughs has been immunotherapy for melanoma. This treatment boosts the patient’s immune system to help it recognize and destroy tumor cells. According to Dr. Puig, “immunity is very powerful, but it must be well regulated. In many cases, the melanoma itself is capable of blocking the immune system.” Thanks to the introduction of monoclonal antibodies that block these brakes, immunotherapy for skin cancer has significantly improved survival in metastatic melanoma.

Targeted therapies: precision against mutations

Some melanomas present specific genetic mutations, such as in the BRAF gene. In these cases, we use targeted therapies that act at the molecular level on those alterations. This allows us to slow tumor growth and improve life expectancy in stage 2, 3 and 4 melanoma, especially in patients with advanced melanoma.

Can melanoma be cured?

Yes. Melanoma can be cured if detected early. In initial stages, such as stage 1 melanoma, surgical removal can be curative in most cases. For metastatic melanomas, although the prognosis is more cautious, current treatments have significantly improved quality of life and prolonged survival.

They removed a malignant mole, what should I do now?

After removing a malignant mole, clinical follow-up is performed and, depending on the stage, complementary treatment with immunotherapy for melanoma or targeted therapies may be recommended. Individualized assessment is essential in each case.

Facing melanoma or skin cancer: effective treatments, renewed hope

Thanks to advances in immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and personalized medicine, melanoma treatment has radically transformed. As Dr. Susana Puig concludes:

“Thanks to these new melanoma treatments, the life expectancy of patients with advanced melanoma has significantly improved.”

Dr. Susana Puig, Head of the Dermatology Department at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and dermatologist at barnaclínic+

At barnaclínic+, we combine clinical experience with the latest technology to offer the best possible approach to melanoma and skin cancer.