When dealing with melanoma treatment, a medical approach to remove or control malignant skin cancer that originates from melanocytes. Also known as skin cancer therapy, it aims to improve survival and quality of life.
One of the first decisions doctors face is whether to remove the tumor surgically. Surgery, the physical excision of cancerous tissue is the most common curative option for early‑stage disease. A wide local excision often clears the visible lesion and a margin of healthy tissue to reduce recurrence risk. For thicker melanomas or those in challenging locations, radiation therapy, high‑energy beams that destroy cancer cells can supplement surgery or serve as the primary treatment when surgery isn’t feasible. Together, surgery and radiation form the backbone of local control, and most patients start their journey with one of these two methods.
When the cancer has spread or carries high‑risk genetic features, doctors turn to systemic options. Immunotherapy, treatments that activate the body's own immune system to attack melanoma cells has reshaped the outlook for advanced disease. Checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab block proteins that keep T‑cells from recognizing tumors, allowing a sustained immune response. Patients often experience durable responses, and many stay progression‑free for years. Immunotherapy therefore provides a powerful tool for patients whose tumors are not easily removed, and it frequently works best when combined with other modalities.
Another pillar of modern care is targeted therapy, drugs that specifically block molecular drivers of melanoma growth. About half of cutaneous melanomas harbor a mutation in the BRAF gene; inhibitors like vemurafenib and dabrafenib directly shut down the faulty signaling pathway. When paired with MEK inhibitors, response rates climb and resistance slows. Targeted therapy offers rapid tumor shrinkage, making it ideal for patients who need quick control of bulky disease. However, resistance can emerge, so clinicians often sequence or combine it with immunotherapy to extend benefit.
Because melanoma can behave differently from one person to another, a personalized plan often mixes these approaches. Combination regimens—such as surgery followed by adjuvant immunotherapy, or targeted therapy used to shrink a tumor before surgical removal—are common. Ongoing clinical trials explore new checkpoint inhibitors, next‑generation BRAF/MEK combos, and even vaccine strategies. Side‑effect profiles differ: surgery brings wound‑healing concerns, radiation can cause skin irritation, immunotherapy may trigger autoimmune reactions, and targeted drugs can lead to fever, fatigue, or skin rashes. Discussing goals, lifestyle, and comorbidities with the care team helps match the right mix to each patient’s situation.
So, whether you’re looking at early‑stage excision, adjuvant immunotherapy, or a targeted‑drug regimen for metastatic disease, the landscape of melanoma treatment is richer than ever. Below you’ll find articles that dive deeper into each option, compare pros and cons, and offer tips for navigating insurance, side‑effects, and follow‑up care. Use this resource to spot the information that matches your stage, preferences, and questions, and keep the conversation going with your oncologist for the best possible outcome.
Learn why melanoma clinical trials are essential, understand trial phases, discover key therapies, and find out how patients can join studies for better outcomes.