Diagnosis and treatment of melanoma bone metastasis: A multidisciplinary approach

Dermatol Ther. 2020 Nov;33(6):e14193. doi: 10.1111/dth.14193. Epub 2020 Sep 10.

Abstract

Bone is the fourth most common site of melanoma metastasis after lung, liver, and brain. Melanoma bone metastases typically occur in patients who already have widespread metastases in other organs. Current available approaches for bone metastases from melanoma include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological therapy, combination therapy, and surgery. In this narrative review, we describe the management of patients affected by melanoma bone metastases, discussing the diagnostic and treatment approaches as well as their impact on survival and quality of life. Despite the fact that clinical and surgical trials will be required to determine the most appropriate treatment, we do expect a newer and more important role of multidisciplinary approach in the management of melanoma patients with bone metastases in the next future.

Keywords: bone; bone metastases; diagnosis; melanoma; metastasis; multidisciplinary approach; therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Melanoma* / therapy
  • Quality of Life