Malignant melanoma. Results of palliative radiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction

Radiotherapy of malignant melanoma is often performed in palliative therapy of recurrences, metastases “in transit”, bones and brain metastases, to prevent bleeding and to control the pain. Because of existence of large “shoulder” in the radiation cell survival curve, high fraction doses are used.

Material and Methods

27 patients with local lymph nodes metastases or local recurrences of malignant melanoma were palliatively irradiated. This group included patients after surgical treatment and disqualified for second operation. They were irradiated with 9 MV photons or Co 60 gamma rays, fraction dose was of 6 Gy (2 fractions weekly), total dose was of 36 Gy (18 patients) or 48 Gy (9 patients).

Results

Total remission was achieved in 14 cases, partial remission in 8 cases, no remission we observed in 5 cases. 5-year survival rate was 40,7% (11 patients). In the group of patients irradiated with total dose of 36 Gy 5-year survival rate was 44,4% (8 of 18), in other group irradiated with total dose of 48 Gy 5-year survival rate was 33,3% (3 of 9).

Conclusion

Part of patients with malignant melanoma cured with palliative radiotherapy can survive over 5 year.