Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
07:07

A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model

Published on: May 20, 2019

Adjuvant therapy for melanoma

V K Sondak1, J A Wolfe

  • 1Taubman Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0331, USA.

Current Opinion in Oncology
|March 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

High-dose interferon alfa is the first effective adjuvant therapy for melanoma, changing treatment paradigms. This review covers all melanoma adjuvant trials, offering guidance for surgically treated patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Adjuvant therapy for melanoma historically lacked proven efficacy.
  • The landscape of melanoma treatment has been significantly impacted by recent advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review all randomized adjuvant trials in melanoma.
  • To discuss ongoing and upcoming adjuvant studies.
  • To provide recommendations for adjuvant treatment in surgically treated melanoma patients.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of randomized adjuvant trials in melanoma.
  • Analysis of data from completed and ongoing clinical trials.
  • Synthesis of evidence to formulate treatment recommendations.

Main Results:

  • High-dose interferon alfa demonstrated significant activity in a cooperative group trial.
  • This led to Food and Drug Administration approval, establishing a new standard of care.
  • Previous adjuvant therapies showed limited or no benefit.

Conclusions:

  • Adjuvant high-dose interferon alfa is a validated treatment option for melanoma.
  • Further research and ongoing trials are crucial for refining adjuvant strategies.
  • Evidence-based recommendations are provided for clinical practice.

More Related Videos

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis07:41

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis

Published on: March 8, 2022

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine09:15

Experimental Melanoma Immunotherapy Model Using Tumor Vaccination with a Hematopoietic Cytokine

Published on: February 24, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.