Radiation Therapy as Primary and Adjuvant Treatment for Local and Regional Melanoma

Conclusions

Radiation therapy can be used for primary control of melanoma, particularly smaller lesions, and lesions not amenable to surgery. A larger fraction size, at least 2.5 Gy, may increase the probability of response. Nodal irradiation also appears to increase the regional control among patients with node-positive disease. Current recommendations for nodal irradiation include the presence of a node larger than 3 cm, more than 3 positive nodes in the dissection, and extracapsular extension. Standard fractionation and total doses appear to be sufficient. A large randomized trial from TROG will provide definitive information on the role of adjuvant nodal irradiation.

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Cancer Control. 2008;15(3):233-238. © 2008  H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc.
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