Guest editor's introduction: Actinic keratoses and skin cancer update

Abstract

albinism and the immunosuppressed, particularly those with HIV. Melanoma remains one of the most lethal skin cancers seen by healthcare providers from all disciplines in medicine. In their article Cutaneous Melanoma: An Update on Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment the authors provide a broad overview of melanoma pathogenesis, diagnosis, surgical intervention and treatment of advanced melanoma. Early detection is key to melanoma survival. Artificial intelligence, still in development for melanoma detection, is discussed as it offers promise as a valid tool for early and accurate detection. The authors focus on the latest in melanoma imaging, the status of wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma management, genetic testing, immune and targeted therapy which are all critical in melanoma management. These topics are discussed in the context of the latest data and most current recommendations. Finally, the rapidly evolving treatment regimens for advanced melanoma, which have turned a once hopelessly fatal disease into a chronic disease, are discussed. In Update on immune checkpoint therapy for melanoma the authors summarize the latest updates in each of the major areas of immune checkpoint therapy for metastatic melanoma. In addition to highlighting the pivotal clinical trials that have led to the approval of these therapies in metastatic melanoma they also discuss therapy ‐ related adverse events. They examine the importance of developing predictive biomarkers and their role in melanoma management. Last, the authors identify the future directions necessary to advance the field of immunotherapy in advanced melanoma.