Measurements of Tumor Cell Autophagy Predict Invasiveness, Resistance to Chemotherapy, and Survival in Melanoma

Abstract

Autophagy is a potential prognostic factor and therapeutic target in melanoma. Three dimensional culture mimics the tumor microenvironment better than monolayer culture and is an appropriate model for studying therapeutic combinations involving autophagy modulators. Autophagy inhibition should be tested clinically in patients with melanoma.