More than Just Skin-Deep: A Review of Imaging's Role in Guiding CAR T-Cell Therapy for Advanced Melanoma

Advanced melanoma is one of the deadliest cancers, owing to its invasiveness and its propensity to develop resistance to therapy. Surgery remains the first-line treatment for early-stage tumors but is often not an option for advanced-stage melanoma. Chemotherapy carries a poor prognosis, and despite advances in targeted therapy, the cancer can develop resistance. CAR T-cell therapy has demonstrated great success against hematological cancers, and clinical trials are deploying it against advanced melanoma. Though melanoma remains a challenging disease to treat, radiology will play an increasing role in monitoring both the CAR T-cells and response to therapy. We review the current imaging techniques for advanced melanoma, as well as novel PET tracers and radiomics, in order to guide CAR T-cell therapy and manage potential adverse events.

Automated summary

Advanced melanoma is a deadly cancer with invasive properties and resistance to therapy. Surgery is not always an option for advanced-stage melanoma, and chemotherapy has a poor prognosis. CAR T-cell therapy, successful in hematological cancers, is being tested for advanced melanoma. Radiology, including imaging techniques and PET tracers, will be crucial for monitoring CAR T-cells and therapy response.