Surgical oncology clinics of North America
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Although melanoma is generally considered a relative radioresistant tumor, radiation therapy (RT) remains a valid and effective treatment option in definitive, adjuvant, and palliative settings. Definitive RT is generally only used in inoperable patients. ⋯ RT is highly effective in providing symptom palliation for metastatic melanoma. RT combined with new systemic options, such as immunotherapy, holds promise and is being actively evaluated.
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Immunotherapy is now recognized as a viable option for patients with metastatic melanoma. The field of immunotherapy now offers treatments with the potential for a long-term cure. As the field moves forward, studies will focus on improving the response rates with new immunotherapy agents or novel treatment combinations.