The unintended effects of systemically delivered melanoma therapies on dendritic cell immunity

Melanoma skin cancer arises when skin cells undergo changes that cause them to grow uncontrollably and turn into cancer. Therefore, drugs that prevent uncontrolled growth of melanoma cancer cells, called BRAF inhibitors, are used as a treatment. Dendritic cells are the conductors of the immune response and, when working effectively, they teach killer T cells to kill melanoma cancer cells. Our study explores the unintended consequences of melanoma cancer treatments on dendritic cells, finding that dendritic cell function is impaired. Therefore, we provide novel insights that may contribute to strategies to improve outcomes for patients.