SEX DIFFERENCES IN MELANOMA: HORMONAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND CLINICAL PERSPECTIVES – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Magdalena Filuk; Klaudia Jurkowska; Julia Mądrzak; Olga Endler; Mikołaj Dybicz; Marianna Ciastoń; Jakub Fidelus; Dominika Dutkiewicz; Julia Czerniewska; Marta Handzel

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5657

Authors

Magdalena Filuk Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6969-7173
Klaudia Jurkowska Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0205-6999
Julia Mądrzak Faculty of Medicine, Kazimierz Pułaski University of Radom, Radom, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3387-9225
Olga Endler Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0256-9965
Mikołaj Dybicz Faculty of Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7270-7625
Marianna Ciastoń Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9458-7097
Jakub Fidelus Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6889-8509
Dominika Dutkiewicz Independent Public Health Care Centre of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2035-8079
Julia Czerniewska Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3769-8047
Marta Handzel Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0348-0051

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5657

Keywords:

Melanoma, Sex Differences, Immunotherapy, Tumor Microenvironment, Epidemiology, Public Health

Abstract

Background: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, with increasing global incidence and significant mortality. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, it remains a major public health concern. Consistent sex-related differences have been observed in melanoma epidemiology, clinical presentation, and survival outcomes.

Aims: The aims of this review are to analyze sex-related differences in melanoma, focusing on epidemiology, biological mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes, as well as their implications for public health and personalized medicine.

Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Relevant studies published primarily within the last decade were included, with a focus on epidemiology, hormonal influences, immune system variability, tumor microenvironment, and treatment response in melanoma.

Results: Women demonstrate a consistent survival advantage compared to men, partly explained by earlier diagnosis and more favorable tumor characteristics. However, biological factors, including hormonal influences and immune system differences, play a significant role in disease progression. Sex-related differences were also observed in treatment response, particularly in the context of immunotherapy, as well as in tumor biology and clinical presentation.

Conclusion: Sex is an important factor influencing melanoma development, progression, and treatment outcomes. Understanding these differences may contribute to improved prevention strategies, earlier diagnosis, and more personalized therapeutic approaches. Incorporating sex-specific considerations into clinical practice and research may help reduce disparities in melanoma outcomes.

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