Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, developing in the melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin. While this form accounts for a small percentage of skin cancer cases, melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths.
This is due to its awful ability to spread swiftly to other parts of the body. Fortunately, advancements in treatment have made it possible to manage and treat melanoma effectively, especially when it is caught early.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma typically appears as a new mole or changes in an existing mole, often on areas exposed to the sun. It can be identified by following the ABCDE rule:
- A – Asymmetry
- B – Border
- C – Color
- D – Diameter
- E – Evolving
Melanoma can spread to the lymph nodes and other organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain if not detected and treated early. This makes timely diagnosis and treatment crucial for improving outcomes and survival rates.
What Treatment is Available?
The treatment for melanoma varies depending on its stage, location, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Here’s a look at the three treatment options available for melanoma patients:
1. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has completely transformed the landscape of melanoma treatment, offering hope for patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma. It works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
- Checkpoint Inhibitors: Drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) block proteins such as PD-1 on immune cells, allowing the immune system to attack melanoma cells. This approach has proven effective in prolonging survival for patients with advanced melanoma.
- CTLA-4 Inhibitors: Another type of immunotherapy, such as ipilimumab (Yervoy), targets CTLA-4, another protein that can inhibit immune responses against cancer cells. It is sometimes used in combination with PD-1 inhibitors for a more robust immune response.
- TIL Therapy: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapy is an advanced form of immunotherapy that uses the patient’s own immune cells to target melanoma. TIL therapy involves extracting immune cells from the tumor, growing them in large numbers in a laboratory, and reintroducing them into the patient to help fight the cancer. This clever approach is especially beneficial for patients who have not responded to other treatments. To learn more about TILs treatment Moffitt Cancer Center should be your go-to resource.
Immunotherapy has shown remarkable success in treating melanoma, offering long-term remission for some patients, even in advanced stages.
2. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on attacking specific genetic mutations within melanoma cells that drive cancer growth. This approach is especially useful for patients whose tumors have identifiable mutations, such as BRAF mutations.
- BRAF and MEK Inhibitors: About half of all melanomas experience a mutation in the BRAF gene, which helps melanoma cells grow. Drugs like vemurafenib and dabrafenib target the mutated BRAF protein, while MEK inhibitors like trametinib and cobimetinib can be used in combination to block the MEK protein. This dual-target approach can shrink tumors and slow down cancer progression.
- Genetic Testing: Before starting targeted therapy, genetic testing is performed to identify mutations that can be targeted with specific drugs. Doing so ensures that the treatment is tailored to the patient’s unique tumor profile.
Targeted therapy offers a more unique, personalized approach to treating melanoma and can be effective in controlling the disease when the appropriate mutations are present.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It is not typically the first treatment for melanoma but can be used in certain situations, such as when cancer has spread to the brain or other distant sites or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Procedure: Radiation is directed at the melanoma cells, damaging and attacking their DNA and preventing them from growing. Treatment is typically given over several sessions, depending where the tumor is located and its size.
- Uses: Radiation is often used for palliative care, helping to minimize any symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced-stage melanoma.
While radiation therapy is not curative for advanced melanoma, it can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
Managing Side Effects During Melanoma Treatment
While melanoma treatments can be highly effective, they can also come with side effects that need to be managed carefully:
- Fatigue: This is a common side effect of many cancer treatments. Resting when needed, maintaining a light exercise routine, and focusing on the right balanced diet can help.
- Skin Reactions: Radiation and certain immunotherapies can cause skin irritation. Using gentle skincare products and protecting your skin from the sun can help minimize discomfort.
- Immune-Related Side Effects: Immunotherapies can sometimes cause the immune system to attack organs that are currently healthy, leading to side effects like inflammation. Close monitoring and prompt management by your medical team are crucial.
Working closely with your healthcare providers can help you manage these side effects effectively, allowing you to continue treatment with the best possible quality of life.
Choosing the Right Treatment for Melanoma
Early detection is the leading factor to successful outcomes, so regular skin checks and prompt medical evaluation of any changes are crucial. For those with advanced melanoma, newer therapies like immunotherapy and targeted treatments offer hope for longer survival and better quality of life.
By understanding the available treatment options and working closely with your medical team, you can make informed decisions that support your journey toward recovery.
