​This volume contains a collection of writings from the leaders in the fields of Molecular Biology and Melanoma Research which will begin to tell the ever-expanding story of the most recent findings, discoveries, and potential of BRAF-directed targets in melanoma. Recent research has shown that BRAF inhibitors are effective for a short period of time, but there is little hope that this drugs as single agents will lead to durable benefit in a majority of patients. Among scientists and researchers who work in drug discovery, there is a lot of interest in the development of molecularly targeted cancer agents. Namely, the identification of a molecular target, the selection of molecules which effectively inhibit this target. What is starkly different about the development of this class of compounds, however, is that the mechanism of action of these agents are not as straightforward as was once previously assumed and the mechanisms of resistance that tumor cells employ to evade complete destruction are unlike any that have been described before. These discoveries in addition to utilization of modern molecular biology techniques have led to a series of hypotheses regarding which other types of molecules could be used in combination with BRAF-inhibitors in hopes of revolutionizing the potential of therapeutics in melanoma.

Written by the leading melanoma experts from the United States, Australia, and Europe, this new edition incorporates the clinical outcomes of more than 70,000 patients treated at major melanoma centers throughout the world and is the definitive and most authoritative textbook on melanoma used worldwide. Providing the most up-to-date and comprehensive information needed for the clinical management and scientific study of melanoma, Cutaneous Melanoma, 6th edition covers everything from precursors of melanoma to advanced stages of metastatic disease.

The third edition is a comprehensive and updated overview of positive and negative effects of UV-exposure, with a focus on Vitamin D and skin cancer. Researchers, oncologists,and students will be provided with the most significant and timely information related to topics such as the epidemiology of skin cancer, the immune system and skin cancer, ultraviolet damage, DNA repair and Vitamin D in Nonmelanoma skin cancer and malignant melanoma. There have been a number of new, scientific findings in this fast moving field that necessitated a thoroughly updated and revised edition including new Vitamin D metabolites and skin cancer, new findings on the beneficial effects of UV and solar UV and skin cancer, adverse effects of sun protection and sunscreens, sun exposure and mortality, and more. The book will summarize essential, up-to-date information for every clinician or scientist interested in how to balance the positive and negative effects of UV‐exposure to minimize the risks of developing vitamin D deficiency and skin cancer.

This issue of Emerging Cancer Therapeutics provides a comprehensive review for practitioners on the current status of melanoma treatment. Due to recent drug approvals and increasing ability to offer combined agents, there are many more treatment options available to melanoma patients than even a few years ago. Especially significant are the recent FDA approval of the immunotherapeutic agent ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma, and new agents targeting the BRAF gene in malignant melanoma (these two developments cited among the top 5 most significant advances in oncology for 2011). There is also coverage of the most recent data pertaining to surgical management, staging and prevention, and melanoma in children. The authorship of the articles is outstanding and represents national and global authorities on the topics reviewed.

The Book "Melanoma - From Early Detection To Treatment" is aiming to present data and knowledge from most experienced experts in the field. The book covers main topics from the fundamental aspects to multiple approaches in the disease treatment as well as related features. It offers a global view concerning one of the most frequent types of cancer to which a substantial high proportion of people worldwide is confronted at some time point in life.