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Radiotherapy as palliative treatment for metastatic melanoma
Y M Kirova1, J Chen, L I Rabarijaona
1Department of Cancerology, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Creteil, France.
Melanoma Research
|February 8, 2000
Summary
Palliative radiation therapy effectively manages metastatic melanoma symptoms. Short-course radiotherapy provides significant pain relief and functional improvement for patients with bone and brain metastases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Metastatic melanoma poses significant challenges in symptom management.
- Palliative radiotherapy is a key modality for improving quality of life in advanced cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the response rate and efficacy of palliative radiation therapy.
- To assess symptom palliation in patients with metastatic melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 28 patients with metastatic melanoma treated between 1993-1999.
- Patients received palliative radiotherapy, typically 30 Gy in 10 fractions or 20 Gy in 5 fractions.
- Inclusion criteria focused on patients with bone, soft tissue, or brain metastases.
Main Results:
- 67% of patients with bone metastases experienced pain relief and/or decompression.
- 57% of patients with brain metastases showed improved neurological function.
- Partial remission and good symptom palliation were observed in two patients with unresectable disease.
Conclusions:
- Short-course palliative radiotherapy is effective for metastatic melanoma palliation.
- Radiotherapy offers good symptom relief, including pain and neurological deficits.
- This treatment modality plays a crucial role in improving patient comfort and function.