Management of malignant melanoma: a retrospective analysis of 182 patients

The records of 182 patients, referred to the Regional Radiotherapy Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne between January 1975 and December 1980, have been reviewed to evaluate the results of different modes of treatment. Fifty-two patients were managed for Stage 1, 83 for Stage 2 and 47 for Stage 3 disease. Fifty-seven patients with 95 sites of disease were given chemotherapy. The overall response rate was 35% (complete response (CR) 14%, partial response (PR) 21%) (median duration of remission = 4 months). Sixty-three patients with 74 sites of disease were treated by radiotherapy. The overall response rate was 73% (CR 47%, PR 26%) (median duration of remission = 7 months). In Stage 2 disease, no significant difference in the disease-free or overall survival was found between four different treatment groups. In disseminated disease, chemotherapy had little impact on the survival of patients with visceral metastases, while those with skin and lymph node metastases had significantly better survival. Radiotherapy was tolerated better and had lower morbidity than chemotherapy. The role of both modes in the management of advanced disease is discussed.