A melanoma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but advances in medical science have created numerous effective treatment options. Your treatment path will depend on factors like the stage of your melanoma, its location, and your overall health. Here, we explore some of the most common and cutting-edge treatments available for melanoma patients.
Surgical Options
For many patients, surgery is the first step in melanoma treatment. In the early stages, melanoma can often be removed entirely through excision, where the tumor and some of the healthy tissue are removed to ensure no cancer cells remain. In some more advanced cases, surgery may involve removing affected lymph nodes or additional tissue, but this doesn’t apply to all.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has revolutionized melanoma treatment by harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (for example, pembrolizumab and nivolumab) work by helping immune cells recognize and attack cancer cells. These types of treatments have been shown to improve survival rates in advanced melanoma cases.
One promising immunotherapy approach is the use of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs), which involves extracting immune cells directly from the tumor. These cells are then multiplied in a lab and reintroduced into the patient to enhance the immune response. The TILs treatment Moffitt Cancer Center offers is a state-of-the-art example of this technique and is worth enquiring about. Moffitt’s team specializes in cultivating these immune cells and tailoring them to fight specific types of melanoma, providing a personalized treatment approach that shows great potential for patients with advanced disease.
Targeted Therapy
For patients whose melanoma has specific genetic mutations, such as BRAF or MEK mutations, targeted therapy can be an effective option. These therapies work by blocking the molecular pathways that drive cancer growth and are often used alongside certain other treatments to improve outcomes. Your doctor will be able to advise on this.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is sometimes used to manage melanoma that has spread to other areas of the body or to relieve symptoms. While not typically a first-line treatment, it can be beneficial in certain cases where surgery is not possible for the patient or as a complementary treatment to others in this list.
Clinical Trial Opportunities
Participating in clinical trials for melanoma treatment may be an option for patients seeking access to many of the innovative treatments that are not yet widely available. Many trials focus on testing new drugs, combinations of therapies, or advanced technologies like TILs. Naturally, there are more risks with this being a trial, but it could work for you.
Lifestyle and Support
In addition to medical treatments, there are some changes you can make in your life away from the medical centers. This includes what you eat, how active you are, and the support around you. The better you are with food and staying active, and the better support you have, the better the outcome.
Moving Forward
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with melanoma, understanding your options is the first step toward making informed decisions about your care. Whether you’re considering surgery, immunotherapy, or advanced options, it’s essential to work closely with a team of specialists who can guide you through this journey. With the right support and treatments, many patients go on to lead full and active lives after a melanoma diagnosis.
