Exploring Systemic Treatments for Advanced Melanoma
July. 16,2025
Learn about systemic therapy options for metastatic melanoma, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted treatments. Discover how these approaches improve survival rates and the future of melanoma management. Understand treatment factors and FDA-approved therapies in this comprehensive overview.
Exploring Systemic Treatments for Advanced Melanoma
Malignant melanoma in advanced stages has a strong tendency to spread beyond the original site to other parts of the body. Stage IV melanoma, known as metastatic melanoma, occurs when cancer cells travel through lymphatic channels to distant organs. Symptoms vary depending on which organ is affected and may start with painless lumps or enlarged lymph nodes, progressing over time. While complete cures are rare, recent therapies have significantly improved patient survival outcomes.
Systemic therapy remains a cornerstone in managing metastatic melanoma. When surgical options are no longer viable, these treatments provide hope. The choice of therapy depends on factors like patient age, overall health, spread rate, tumor genetics, and patient preferences. Common systemic options include chemotherapy, targeted molecular therapies, and immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy has been used for over thirty years to combat metastatic melanoma, employing agents that directly attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy, which enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumors, has shown promising results, especially in high-risk cases. The FDA has approved several immunotherapies such as Imlygic (T-VEC), Opdivo (nivolumab), Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Yervoy in combination with Opdivo, and others like IL-2 and Interferon alpha 2-b. These approaches aim to boost the body's natural defenses against melanoma.
Immunotherapy is particularly effective because melanoma is sensitive to immune-based treatments. Ongoing research continues to develop new immunotherapies, promising even better options for metastatic melanoma in the near future.
