Heterogeneity in Melanoma

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Tumour heterogeneity is a phenomenon where the cancer cells evolve diversely over the course of the disease. As a result of the evolution, the cancer cells can be found to be genetically, epigenetically and/or phenotypically different in order to survive in the human body. The tumour microenvironment also plays a crucial role during the evolution. This review compiles the recent developments in melanoma tumour heterogeneity and how heterogeneity impacts the evolution of the disease. The recent findings have greatly improved our knowledge on heterogeneity in melanoma, but there remain many unanswered questions. ABSTRACT: There is growing evidence that tumour heterogeneity has an imperative role in cancer development, evolution and resistance to therapy. Continuing advancements in biomedical research enable tumour heterogeneity to be observed and studied more critically. As one of the most heterogeneous human cancers, melanoma displays a high level of biological complexity during disease progression. However, much is still unknown regarding melanoma tumour heterogeneity, as well as the role it plays in disease progression and treatment response. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the importance of tumour heterogeneity in melanoma.