Possible role of adjuvant therapy for thin malignant melanoma

Patients with thin (less than 0.75 mm) malignant melanoma generally have an excellent prognosis following adequate surgical resection. However, some patients will experience recurrent disease. Once features for a high risk of recurrence in patients with malignant melanoma can be reliably identified, adjuvant intervention will be offered. Two formidable challenges remain before this strategy is adopted: we cannot yet accurately predict the subgroup of patients with thin malignant melanoma who will experience disease progression and an effective, nontoxic adjuvant regimen for this subgroup is not currently available. Future prospects for the adjuvant management of thin malignant melanoma are reviewed.