Current status of melanoma chemotherapy and immunotherapy

In the search for an improved prognosis in malignant melanoma after radical surgery, randomized trials arae being conducted examining the results of immunostimulation (BCG or levamisole) with chemotherapy dimethyl - triazeno - imidazole - carboxamide (DTIC) in stage I melanoma. So far, no significant differences between the groups are evident. In stage III melanoma, a series of new agents are being rapidly screened and some appear promising. A closer look at the basic immunopathologic process during the growth of melanomas is might lead to a more effective control of this malignancy.