Radiation and Melanoma: Where Are We Now?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cutaneous melanoma treatment has evolved with advances in systemic therapies.
• Radiotherapy's role is being re-evaluated across different clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications of radiotherapy in cutaneous melanoma.
• To examine radiotherapy's use in definitive, adjuvant, and palliative settings.
• To assess combinations of radiotherapy with immunotherapy and targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current evidence on radiotherapy for cutaneous melanoma.
• Analysis of studies involving definitive, adjuvant, and palliative radiotherapy.
• Evaluation of combined treatment modalities.

Main Results:

• Definitive radiotherapy is an option for disfiguring lentigo maligna.
• Adjuvant radiotherapy for high-risk melanoma has a poorly defined role post-systemic therapy advent.
• Combined radiotherapy with immunotherapy and targeted therapies shows promise, especially in metastatic melanoma.
• Evidence for abscopal response with combined treatments is currently insufficient.

Conclusions:

• Radiotherapy's role in melanoma is evolving, particularly with new systemic agents.
• Further prospective studies are needed to clarify optimal use in lentigo maligna and adjuvant settings.
• Combined modality treatments, especially for metastatic disease, warrant continued investigation.