Recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of acral melanoma

• Published in: Journal of Zhejiang University. B. Science Vol. 25; no. 2; pp. 106 - 122
• Main Authors: Alhaskawi, Ahmad, Ezzi, Sohaib Hasan Abdullah, Dong, Yanzhao, Zhou, Haiying, Wang, Zewei, Lai, Jingtian, Yao, Chengjun, Kota, Vishnu Goutham, Abdulla, Mohamed Hasan Abdulla Hasan, Lu, Hui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hangzhou Zhejiang University Press 01.02.2024; Springer Nature B.V; Department of Orthopedics,the First Affiliated Hospital,School of Medicine,Zhejiang University,Hangzhou 310003,China%Department of Orthopaedics,Third Xiangya Hospital,Central South University,Changsha 410013,China%Zhejiang University School of Medicine,Hangzhou 310058,China%Department of Orthopedics,the First Affiliated Hospital,School of Medicine,Zhejiang University,Hangzhou 310003,China; Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare,Zhejiang University,Hangzhou 310058,China
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Chemotherapy; Diagnosis; Diagnostic systems; Health services; Histopathology; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Melanoma; Oncolysis; Radiation therapy; Review; Acral lentiginous melanoma; Acral melanoma; 肢端黑色素瘤; 肢端痣; Acral nevus; Cutaneous malignant melanoma; 溶瘤病毒治疗; Oncolytic virotherapy; Dermoscopy; 皮肤镜检查; 肢端雀斑样黑色素瘤; 皮肤恶性黑色素瘤
• ISSN: 1673-1581; 1862-1783
• DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B2300221

Acral melanoma (AM) is the most common histologic subtype of melanoma in dark-skinned patients and is associated with a worse prognosis and a high mortality rate, largely due to the inconspicuous nature of early-stage lesions, which can lead to late diagnosis. Because of the overlapping clinical and histopathological features of AM with other forms of cutaneous melanomas, early detection of AM requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates various diagnostic modalities, including clinical examination, dermoscopy, histopathology, molecular testing, radiological imaging, and blood tests. While surgery is the preferred method of treatment for AM, other therapeutic options may be employed based on the stage and underlying etiology of the disease. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, molecular targeted therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and oncolytic virotherapy represent promising advanced treatment options for AM. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic methods for AM, highlighting the importance of early detection and the prompt, individualized management of this challenging disease.