Multidisciplinary Approach of Chemotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma
At Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, we provide melanoma skin cancer care through a multidisciplinary team that include surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, medical oncologists, and nursing specialists. involving specialists across various disciplines. These experts participate in cancer tumor boards, where they evaluate and discuss each case in detail.
Our cancer tumor boards meet regularly to review cases, ensuring every patient receives a personalized melanoma treatment plan.
The decision to use chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma is based on factors such as the stage and spread of the disease, patient health status, and previous treatment.
What is chemotherapy for melanoma?
Chemotherapy is a treatment option for melanoma that involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs can be administered intravenously or orally, and they travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is typically used for advanced melanoma, especially when other treatments have not been effective. While it can help shrink tumors, its ability to extend survival is less clear compared to newer treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
How does chemotherapy work with other treatments?
Chemotherapy can be used other treatments, such as:
- Surgery: often the first step for localized melanoma, with chemotherapy used afterward to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy:particularly useful in metastatic melanoma when cancer spreads to areas not suitable for surgery, such as the brain or bones.
- Combination Therapy: using two or more drugs to improve cancer cell kill rates. It may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Some clinical trials are studying electrochemotherapy–a technique combining electrical pulses with chemotherapy–to increase drug uptake in melanoma cells.
Understanding Metastatic Melanoma and Chemotherapy’s Role
In addressing metastatic melanoma, chemotherapy plays a crucial role. Metastatic melanoma refers to melanoma that has spread beyond the original site to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy can help manage symptoms and control the spread of the disease in later stages while treatments such as surgery (wide local excision) or superficial radiation are common for early stage melanoma.
Drugs like dacarbazine and temozolomide are commonly used for metastatic melanoma. However, due to the aggressive nature of metastatic melanoma, chemotherapy is often used alongside other treatments to improve outcomes.
How does chemotherapy differ from other medical treatments?
Chemotherapy differs significantly from targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
- Targeted therapy: focuses on specific genetic mutations or proteins that drive the growth of cancer. By targeting these cells, it can effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy: boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This approach can lead to long-term remission and is particularly effective for melanoma.
- Chemotherapy: affects both cancerous and healthy rapidly dividing cells, which can result in more widespread side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.
However, targeted therapy and immunotherapy offer more precise and personalized treatment options.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma
Potential side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lowered blood count
- Mouth sores
- Skin irritation or rash
Your care team will provide supportive treatments to help manage these effects and maintain your quality of life during cancer chemotherapy.
Contact the Saint John’s Health Center
The experts at Saint John’s Health Center and researchers of the Saint John’s Cancer Institute are ready to support you and help you navigate through this challenging time. Whether you are looking for an expert second opinion, a better understanding of your health situation, or access to personalized clinical trials, please reach out to us by calling 310-829-8317 or using our melanoma contact form. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care and outcomes.
If you have questions regarding chemotherapy treatment for melanoma, please call today or click here to schedule an appointment or for an expert second opinion.
