Understanding Melanoma: Treatment Options and Latest Advances

Introduction

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, but with early detection and proper treatment, many cases can be successfully managed.

Treatment Options

1. Surgery

• Wide Local Excision: Primary treatment for early-stage melanoma
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Determines if cancer has spread
• Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of affected lymph nodes

2. Targeted Therapy

• BRAF Inhibitors: For melanomas with BRAF mutations
  • Vemurafenib
  • Dabrafenib
• MEK Inhibitors: Often combined with BRAF inhibitors
  • Trametinib
  • Cobimetinib

3. Immunotherapy

• Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • PD-1 Inhibitors (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab)
  • CTLA-4 Inhibitors (Ipilimumab)
• Combination Approaches

4. Additional Treatments

• Radiation Therapy: For specific cases
• Chemotherapy: Used less frequently now
• Clinical Trials: Access to newest treatments

Treatment Selection Factors

• Stage of melanoma
• Location of tumor
• Genetic profile
• Overall health status
• Patient preferences

Follow-up Care

• Regular skin examinations
• Imaging studies as needed
• Long-term monitoring
• Lifestyle modifications