Radiation Therapy for Local Cutaneous Melanoma

Abstract

While primary treatment for melanoma consists of surgical resection and chemotherapeutics, radiation can be used as either definitive or adjuvant therapy in certain clinical scenarios. This chapter aims to explore the indications for primary definitive radiotherapy as well as adjuvant treatment following resection. Delivery, dose, fractionation, and toxicity of radiation treatment will be discussed. As our understanding of melanoma tumor biology increases, the role of radiotherapy may expand for more effective treatment of oligometastatic disease.

Keywords: Adjuvant radiotherapy; Cutaneous melanoma; Definitive radiotherapy; Lentigo maligna; Radiation.