The invention provides compositions, kits and methods to treat a hyperproliferative disorder with an agent that increases expression of MCR1 and an MCR1 ligand. The invention also provides a method of treating drug-resistant melanoma, comprising administering an MCR1 ligand to a patient in need thereof.
The present invention also provides in certain embodiments a melanoma-targeting conjugate comprising Formula I: T-L-X wherein T is a MCR1 ligand, L is a linker, and X an anti-cancer composition, for the therapeutic treatment of a hyperproliferative disorder. The present invention also provides methods, kits, and uses of the conjugate of Formula I.