Treatment, diagnosis and evaluation of anti-cancer therapy resistance in melanoma

摘要

The invention relates to overcoming anti-cancer therapy resistance in melanoma by regulation of the expression of tyrosinase related protein 2 (TYRP2). Treatment of melanoma with anti-cancer therapy may be negatively impacted by anti-cancer resistance of melanoma cells. Altering expression of TYRP2 in melanoma cells can enhance efficacy of anti-cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Methods for treatment of melanoma are disclosed, as well as methods for diagnosis of anti-cancer therapy resistance, and methods for evaluating candidate anti-cancer therapies for melanoma. Down-regulation of TYRP2 expression or activity can be accomplished using a genetic therapy such as antisense therapy, or by using small molecules which regulate TYRP2.