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Melanoma Treatment: From Surgery to Immunotherapy
Published: Feb 09, 2024
Melanoma treatment has come a long way in recent years. From traditional surgery to cutting-edge immunotherapies, there are more options than ever for fighting this aggressive skin cancer.
Surgery: The First Line of Defense
For early-stage melanomas, surgery is often the primary treatment. The tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue are removed to ensure all cancer cells are gone. In some cases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to check if the cancer has spread.
Targeted Therapies: Precision Medicine
About half of melanomas have a mutation in the BRAF gene. For these cases, targeted therapies like BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors can be highly effective. These drugs specifically attack cancer cells with the mutation, often causing tumors to shrink dramatically.
Immunotherapy: Unleashing the Immune System
Immunotherapy has revolutionized melanoma treatment. Drugs called checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. These treatments have led to long-term remissions in some patients with advanced melanoma.
Radiation and Chemotherapy: Still in the Arsenal
While not typically first-line treatments, radiation and chemotherapy still play a role in melanoma care. Radiation can be used to treat melanoma that has spread to the brain or bones. Chemotherapy is less commonly used now but may be an option when other treatments aren't effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early-stage melanoma can often be cured with surgery alone.
It varies, but some patients receive treatment for up to two years.
Yes, side effects vary by treatment type and can range from mild to severe.
Yes, which is why ongoing monitoring is crucial even after successful treatment.
Yes, many patients participate in trials to access new, potentially breakthrough treatments.
A Bright Future
With ongoing advances in melanoma treatment, the outlook for patients continues to improve.
References
- National Cancer Institute. Melanoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/melanoma-treatment-pdq
- Schadendorf D, et al. Melanoma. Lancet. 2018;392(10151):971-984.
- Robert C, et al. Pembrolizumab versus Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(26):2521-2532.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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